The military said the perpetrators abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting the navy’s patrol team under the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga.
The Nigerian Navy has said that its ship, Beecroft patrol team, intercepted an illegal oil bunkering activity within the Igboelejo community area of Lagos State.
The navy noted on Friday that its patrol team arrested a large boat suspected to be engaged in illegal bunkering which contained 205 drums of substance suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other products.
The military said the perpetrators abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting the navy’s patrol team under the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga.
“The Nigerian Navy ship, BEECROFT patrol team in a decisive response to intelligence received on 5th October 2023 through the Falcon Eye Alignment thwarted an illegal bunkering activity within the Igboelejo community area of Lagos State.
The patrol team vectored to the specified area apprehended a large blue fiber boat suspected to be engaged in illegal bunkering. The vessel contains 205 drums of a substance suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other products. Regrettably, the perpetrators abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting our patrol team.
“The NNS BEECROFT patrol team acted with precision, securing the vessel and promptly transporting it to the base. Investigation and necessary actions to ensure appropriate handling of the incident are ongoing.”
“This operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, to sustain maritime security and to eradicate illicit activities as well as activities that could trigger fire hazard in coastal communities and within our maritime domain.
“The Nigerian Navy again appeals to the general public to provide information necessary to nib catastrophe incidents in the bud as the service remain steadfast in its mission to maintain a safe and secure maritime environment for the prosperity of our dear nation,” the statement by the Base Information Officer, Sub Lieutenant HA Collins said.