In a significant move to stem the tide of maritime crimes and economic sabotage in Lagos State, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team, operating from Tarkwa Bay, intercepted a fibre boat carrying approximately 4,000 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in the early hours of Saturday.
The interception, which occurred around the approaches to Commodore Pool in the Atlas Cove general area, was made possible through the Nigerian Navy’s cutting-edge Maritime Domain Awareness facilities—particularly the Western Regional Control Centre of the Falcon Eye Alignment.
Addressing members of the press, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, Executive Officer of NNS BEECROFT, who represented the Commander, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, confirmed the operation’s success.
“Upon sighting our patrol team, the suspects abandoned the vessel and fled the scene,” Captain Udoessien stated. “The confiscated product has since been handed over to the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, Superintendent Amoo Kehinde, for further investigation and appropriate action.”
Captain Udoessien emphasized that the operation aligns with the Strategic Directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, aimed at maintaining a robust and credible naval presence across Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to deter illegal activities.
He also issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating in the maritime domain.
“We warn all perpetrators of maritime crimes and economic sabotage to desist. NNS BEECROFT remains resolute and will not relent in its efforts to rid our waters of illegalities,” he said. “We will continue to intensify surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-driven operations to ensure Lagos’s maritime environment remains safe for socio-economic activities to thrive.”
This latest operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to national security and its role in protecting the nation’s economic assets against illegal bunkering and oil theft.