Navy seizes boat conveying fuel
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft apprehended a fibre boat carrying drums of Premium Motor Spirit near Ijegun.
The arrest was made on November 11, 2023, according to a statement released on Monday by the NNS Beecroft Base Information Officer, Sub-Lieutenant H. A Collins.
According to the statement, the Commander, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the boat held about 90 drums of 250L each of PMS, totaling around 22,500 liters and valued at approximately N15 million.
He said,
“In a remarkable feat under the ongoing Operation Water Guard NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team, successfully intercepted and seized a large fibre boat transporting illegally obtained PMS in the early hours of November 11, 2023.
“The team acted on credible intelligence and discovered the vessel abandoned near the Ijegun community.”
Oguntuga disclosed that the oil thieves abandoned the loot and fled when they sighted the NNS patrol team.
He added,
“The confiscated boat contained over 90 drums of 250L each of PMS, totalling approximately 22,500 litres and valued at about N15 million at the current pump price.
“The prevention of illicit acquisition of such volatile products does not only curb economic sabotage but also prevents the outbreak of fire which may have dire consequences on life and property.
“This proactive operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unweaving commitment under the leadership of The Chief of The Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla to safeguarding the nation’s petroleum resources for the benefit of Nigerians.”