Navy Foils Smuggling Attempt: Seizes Boat Carrying 24,000 Litres Of Petroleum Bound For Benin Republic

Navy Foils Smuggling Attempt: Seizes Boat Carrying 24,000 Litres Of Petroleum Bound For Benin Republic....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In the early hours of yesterday, the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, located in Lagos, successfully intercepted a wooden boat transporting suspected stolen petroleum products bound for the Republic of Benin. Despite the perpetrators managing to escape in smaller speed boats upon detecting the approach of NNS Beecroft personnel, no arrests were made……..CONTINUE READING

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During a press briefing at the Command’s jetty, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, revealed that the interception occurred approximately 80 nautical miles offshore, near the border between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. The operation was part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing effort, initiated in 2023 as Operations Water Guard, to combat smuggling, piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities in the Western waters.

Providing insight into the arrest, Commander Oguntuga stated, “Following several intelligence reports, we received information about a large wooden boat loaded with over 800 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit. Tactical teams were immediately deployed, and the boat was intercepted and brought back to base.” A significant haul of 24,000 litres of petroleum product was confiscated from the intercepted wooden boat.

Commander Oguntuga emphasized the commitment of the Nigerian Navy, led by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to ensuring that petroleum products designated for Nigerians remain within the country. He warned perpetrators of such acts to desist, declaring that the Navy’s efforts against maritime crimes would intensify. He stressed collaboration with other security agencies and the community, highlighting the importance of community members as strategic partners in combating such crimes.

Acknowledging the inherent risks of dealing with volatile petroleum products, Commander Oguntuga called for vigilance from Nigerians, urging them to provide relevant and credible information to assist security agencies in apprehending perpetrators. He emphasized that curbing these nefarious acts was crucial to preventing economic sabotage, as the illegal activities pose threats to both property and lives. Despite the challenges, he reassured the public that the Nigerian Navy would persist in its endeavors to bring perpetrators to justice.

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