Mon. Nov 4th, 2024

Navy Thwarts Illegal Bunkering, Intercepts Over 43,000 Litres of PMS, Worth Over N26 Million In Swift Maritime Operation


“Oguntuga advised perpetrators to desist from illegal bunkering activities stressing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to come heavy on them”

L-R: Base Information Officer, Sub-Lieutenant Happiness Collins, Base Operation Officer, Commander Linus Osuman, NNS BEECROFT Commander, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, and NNS BEECROFT Staff Officer, Capt Christian Akokoti, during the press conference at NNS Beecroft command on Monday 13th November, 2023.

In a proactive move to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, in collaboration with the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE, successfully intercepted and thwarted illegal bunkering activities at Folu Village in Ibeju Lekki, a town along the boundary between Lagos and Ogun States.

Acting on credible intelligence received at 03:00 AM, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, Commander NNS BEECROFT, promptly deployed his team to the scene. Upon arrival, the perpetrators fled the area, leaving behind evidence of their illicit activities – hoses connected to pumping machines and jerrycans siphoning Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) into an 18,000L truck.

Swift and decisive action ensued, with the Naval patrol team confiscating both the equipment and the truck. Currently, these items are in the custody of the base for further investigation in line with standard procedures.

Commodore Oguntuga emphasized the commitment of the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to upholding maritime security and combatting activities that pose a threat to the nation’s economic prosperity.

In a same vein within the ongoing Operation Water Guard, the NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team successfully intercepted and seized a large fibre boat carrying illegally obtained Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the early hours of November 11, 2023.

Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, reported that the operation was executed based on credible intelligence, leading the team to discover the vessel abandoned near Ijegun community. Upon sighting the naval team, the perpetrators fled the scene. 

The confiscated boat revealed over 90 drums, each containing 250 liters of PMS, totaling approximately 22,500 liters and valued at around 15 million naira at the current pump price.

Oguntuga however warned perpetrators to desist from these illegal bunkering activities stressing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to come heavy on them particularly as the yuletide season approaches.

This proactive operation not only curbs economic sabotage but also prevents the potential outbreak of fires, which could have dire consequences on life and property.

The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s petroleum resources for the benefit of Nigerians. The prevention of the illicit acquisition of such volatile products aligns with the Navy’s dedication to national security and economic prosperity.

This successful operation not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy in responding to imminent threats but also underscores the dedication of maritime forces to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s waters.

The confiscated equipment and truck will undergo thorough investigation to ensure that legal procedures are followed, and the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mission to secure the maritime environment and contribute to the overall safety and economic well-being of the nation.

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