By Promise Toyon
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted a fibre boat carrying about 4,000 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) within the Atlas Cove area of Lagos, in a fresh move to curb oil theft and economic sabotage along the state’s waterways.
During a press briefing at the naval base on 16th October ,2025, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, the Executive Officer of NNS BEECROFT, who represented the Commander, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, said the suspects abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting the naval patrol team.
The interception, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, 11 October 2025, was carried out by NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team stationed at Tarkwa Bay. The operation was made possible through the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facility, the Western Regional Control Centre of the Falcon Eye Alignment which ,provided real-time intelligence on the movement of the suspicious vessel.
Udoessien emphasized that the operation aligns with the Strategic Directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, whose mandates sustained surveillance and credible presence along Lagos waterways to deter criminal activities.
Captain Udoessien also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in
oil theft, smuggling, and other maritime crimes, urging them to desist as the Navy remains resolute in safeguarding the nation’s maritoil theft, oil theft, smuggling, and other maritime crimes, urging them to desist as the Navy remains resolute in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain.
The Nigerian Navy has in recent months stepped up operations targeting illegal oil bunkering, smuggling, and other illicit maritime activities, in a bid to protect national assets and support economic stability.
“The product has since been handed over to the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, Superintendent Amoo Kehinde, for further necessary action.
“NNS BEECROFT will not relent in its efforts to pursue all criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility. We will continue to intensify patrols and intelligence driven operations to deny them freedom of action and ensure socio-economic activities thrive within Lagos waters,” he stated.
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