By William Emmanuel Ukpoju
A major breakthrough unfolded as the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft discovered an illicit fuel depot nestled at No 3 Silver Bird Road, Ilasun Lekki. The operation resulted in the apprehension of five suspects, including Mr. Ahmed Ariyo, the leader of the syndicate. They have been transferred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Valuechain quotes Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the spokesperson for NNS Beecroft, as saying that the uncovering of the illegal fuel depot was prompted by credible intelligence gathering concerning suspicious activities at Elegushi Beach.
Acting swiftly, the NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team was dispatched to the scene, leading to the successful arrest of the suspects.
Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, Commander of NNS Beecroft, unveiled the extent of the illicit operation during a press briefing.
The illegal fuel depot, equipped with eight storage tanks, each capable of holding 50,000 litres, housed an estimated 57,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Additionally, the authorities seized a tanker loaded with approximately 7,000 litres of AGO, alongside a bus containing 30 jerry cans filled with roughly 1,500 litres of the product. The total value of the confiscated AGO is estimated at around 89 million Naira.
Commodore Oladejo further disclosed that if the storage tanks were filled to capacity, the facility could harbour up to 400,000 litres of AGO, valued at approximately 500 million Naira.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects may have acquired the products through various illicit means, including pipeline vandalism and illegal transactions along the coastline.
Underlining the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to combating maritime crimes, Commodore Oladejo assured citizens of their dedication to ensuring a secure maritime environment that will be conducive for socio-economic activities.
Following protocol, the suspects, along with the seized products and facility, have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and potential prosecution.
This action, Valuechain reports, aligns with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu, in the ongoing battle against illicit activities in the maritime domain.