The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team has arrested a large fibre boat involved in illegal bunkering activities in Igboelejo community area of Lagos state.
The vessel contains 205 drums of a substance suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other products.
According to the Base information officer, Sub Lieutenant HA Collins, the NNS patrol team in a decisive response to intelligence received on 5th October 2023 through the state-of-the-art Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment, thwarted an illegal bunkering activity, meanwhile the perpetrators abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting our patrol team.
“The patrol team vectored to the specified area and successfully 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 is ongoing,” she added.
The Commender NNS Beecroft, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga said while briefing journalists at the navy base that the navy is committed in eradicating illegal activities and prevent fire in the communities.
He noted that Nigeria navy will not relent on its effort towards ensuring the maritime environment is safe while we continue to leverage on the use to technology 24hours to secure the environment.
“The activities of this perpetrators are sabotage to the economy, it can also trigger fire and other consequences on lives and properties.
“We will continue to make the maritime environment safe for legitimate businesses.
He warned those that are involving in this act to stop, saying the Nigerian Navy will never relent,” he added.
According to him, the operation underscores the Nigerian navy’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of the chief of the Naval staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel 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.
Commodore Oguntuga added that the Nigerian Navy 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.