Navy Strikes Hard! Nine Suspected Vandals Caught Red-Handed In Fuel Theft Operation

Navy Strikes Hard! Nine Suspected Vandals Caught Red-Handed In Fuel Theft Operation

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT announced the arrest of nine suspected pipeline vandals attempting to siphon fuel around Takwa Bay, Lagos. The operation, carried out by Navy operatives, led to the recovery of 408 drums, three pumping machines, and eight Yamaha 40HP outboard engines.…..READ MORE 

These items were discovered on a wooden boat with seven suspects attempting to flee to Benin Republic via the Lagos anchorage.

Commodore Paul Nimmyel, Commander of NNS BEECROFT, disclosed this during a press briefing at Apapa, Lagos. He stated that the arrests were made on February 10, following an alert from the Western Regional Control Centre of Falcon Eye Alignment. The alert prompted the Quick Response Team (QRT) stationed at Tarkwa Bay to intercept the suspicious movement of the large wooden boat.

Additionally, two more suspects were apprehended in Topo, Badagry, on the same day while en route to assist the smugglers at sea. The suspects were found in possession of a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine. Intercepted telephone conversations revealed they had been contacted to supply this equipment.

In a separate operation on February 11, NNS BEECROFT operatives intercepted 28 bags of Cannabis Sativa, weighing over 756kg, around Long Jetty, Ibeche Beach. Commodore Nimmyel confirmed that no arrests were made in this instance, as the suspects fled upon spotting the QRT.

The arrested suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Commodore Nimmyel issued a stern warning to criminals, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to eradicating maritime crimes in collaboration with other security agencies.

“This operation highlights NNS BEECROFT’s dedication to enforcing the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to maintain a crime-free maritime environment,” Nimmyel said. “We will continue to pursue illegal oil bunkering and drug trafficking offenders without relenting.”

Superintendent Amao Kehinde, representing the NSCDC, confirmed that detectives from the Investigation and Intelligence Unit would prosecute the suspects. The seized wooden boat and 408 empty 250-litre drums were transported to the NSCDC exhibit yard in Ijora, Lagos.

NDLEA’s Acting Marine Commander, DCN Emmanuel Udoh, stated that the 28 bags of Cannabis Sativa would be destroyed following the conclusion of the investigation.

Despite increased security efforts, pipeline vandalism and oil theft continue to plague Takwa Bay and the broader System 2B channel. The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations to curb these illegal activities.