The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has intercepted a large cache of illegally refined petroleum products during a dawn patrol operation in Badagry area of the state.
Acting on credible intelligence from community members, operatives of the Badagry Division raided the hideouts of suspected oil vandals around 4:50 a.m., prompting the suspects to flee the scene. The operation, led by Chief Superintendent of Corps Ekunola Gbenga, resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of petroleum products and related equipment.
Recovered items include: 70 yellow jerry cans of 25 litres each, One 15-litre keg, One 10-litre keg, Six 5-litre kegs, 250 large plastic bottles and 70 smaller ones, three small sacks containing PMS (Petroleum Motor Spirit) and One motorcycle seat and one storage tank.
In total, over 1,800 litres of suspected stolen fuel were seized.
Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, commended the operation, reaffirming the NSCDC’s zero-tolerance stance on oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage.
He emphasized that the operation aligns with the national directive of the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi who has intensified efforts to curb criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and economy.
“As we approach the Salah festivities, we have heightened intelligence gathering and surveillance to deter economic saboteurs seeking illicit gains,” Keshinro stated.
The Command has launched an investigation and is working to apprehend the fleeing suspects.