Navy seizes boat with 4,000 litres of stolen diesel in Lagos

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT have intercepted a fibre boat carrying about 4,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), suspected to have been stolen, around Takwa Bay, Lagos.

According to the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Paul Nimmyel, the interception occurred on October 11 after the vessel was detected through the Western Regional Control Centre of the Falcon Eye surveillance system.

Nimmyel, represented by the Base Executive Officer, Captain I. Udoessien, said the naval patrol team pursued and intercepted the boat near the approaches to Commodore Pool within the Atlas Cove area.

“Upon sighting the naval patrol team, the suspects abandoned the boat and fled,” he said.

The confiscated diesel has been handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), represented by Superintendent Amoo Kehinde, for further investigation and necessary action.

Commodore Nimmyel cautioned those engaged in illegal maritime operations to desist, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s waterways.

“We will continue to intensify surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminals the freedom to operate within Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure a secure maritime environment that supports legitimate socio-economic activities.”