Nigerian Navy Operatives Recover 25,000 Litres Of Stolen Petrol Stored In Jerrycans In Lagos
The Nigerian Navy, Beecroft patrol team has said its personnel on Operation Water Guard intercepted 500 jerrycans containing 25,000 litres of stolen petroleum in the Badagry area of Lagos State.
The navy said in a release on Friday that the recovery was executed around 2:30am on Friday, while efforts were on to apprehend the perpetrators.
“Upon detecting the patrol team, the perpetrators evaded capture by jumping into the water. Due to legal constraints, the team refrained from using force while the suspects were swimming.
“Utilising advanced intelligence from various sources, the Navy aims to identify the masterminds behind this illegal operation and locate storage facilities. Some confiscated products were discovered in houses in Badagry, housing vulnerable populations, leading authorities to issue stern warnings instead of immediate destruction,” the navy said.
“Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan, Commander joint task force South West Operation AWATSE, urged fuel station authorities in Badagry to enhance monitoring and prevent the sale of stolen products.
“He emphasised the difficulty of community-based intelligence in Badagry due to widespread involvement in illicit activities.
“Simultaneously, the Navy inaugurated a subset of Operation Water Guard, the Clarence Operation, focusing on the NNPCL pipeline right of way from Atlas Cove to Ijegun. This initiative aims to reactivate pipelines inactive for three months, contributing to the nation's economic prosperity.
“Rear Admiral MB Hassan affirmed the Navy's unwavering dedication to eliminating illegalities in the maritime domain. This recent successful operation underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Navy, guided by Vice Admiral EI Ogalla's visionary leadership, in safeguarding the nation's waters.”
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