…AS NNS BEECROFT INTERCEPTS 18,000L TRUCK IN IBEJU LEKKI
A few days after Operation WATER GUARD was flagged off in Badagry to muscle out maritime criminals and galvanize a safe corridor for trade and commerce in the maritime domain, NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team made a remarkable interception as they seized a large fibre boat transporting illegally obtained Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
According to Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga disclosed that his team acted on credible intelligence and discovered the vessel abandoned near the Ijegun community.
In a statement by the Base Spokesperson, Sub-Lieutenant Happiness Collins disclosed that the boat was intercepted in the early hours of 11th November 2023, adding that no arrest was made as the perpetrators fled when they sighted naval personnel.
However, the confiscated boat contained over 90 drums of 250L each of PMS, totaling approximately 22,500 litres and valued at about N15 million at the current pump price.
The statement added that the prevention of illicit acquisition of such volatile products does not only curb economic sabotage but also prevents outbreak of fire which may have dire consequences on life and property.
In another development, the NNS Beecroft patrol team and the maritime component of Operation AWATSE thwarted illegal bunkering activities at Folu Village in Ibeju Lekki, a boundary town between Lagos and Ogun States.
Acting on credible intelligence received at 03:00 am, on the 11th November, 2023, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, Commander NNS BEECROFT disclosed that the patrol team swiftly deployed to the scene but couldn’t make any arrest as the criminals had escaped.
However, the patrol team uncovered hoses connected to pumping machines and Jerrycans siphoning Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) into an 18,000L truck.
As a result, the equipment and the truck were confiscated and were moved to the Base for further investigation in line with standard procedures.
The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has reiterated its commitment to upholding maritime security and combating illicit activities that threaten the nation’s economic prosperity.
