Nigerian Navy busts illegal fuel depot, apprehends syndicate in Lekki

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT revealed on Wednesday the dismantling of an illegal fuel depot, leading to the arrest of five suspects at No 3 Silver Bird Road, Ilasun Lekki, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

Among those apprehended was Mr. Ahmed Ariyo, believed to be the leader of the syndicate.

According to Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, the clandestine operation was unearthed following credible intelligence suggesting suspicious activities at Elegushi beach. Acting swiftly, the NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team was dispatched to the location, resulting in the discovery and subsequent arrest of the suspects.

The illegal fuel depot, hidden within a private apartment, stunned authorities with its elaborate setup. Eight storage tanks, each capable of holding 50,000 litres, were found, containing approximately 57,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Additionally, a tanker filled with about 7,000 litres, and a bus loaded with 30 jerry cans, totaling approximately 1,500 litres, were seized. The total confiscated AGO amounted to approximately 65,000 litres, valued at an estimated 89 million Naira based on current market prices.

Commodore Oladejo further elaborated that if the storage tanks were filled to capacity, the facility could hold up to 400,000 litres of AGO, equivalent to around 500 million Naira.

Preliminary investigations suggested that the suspects obtained the products through illicit means, including pipeline vandalism and illegal sea vendors along the coastline.

In adherence to the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Commodore Oladejo reiterated NNS BEECROFT’s unwavering commitment to combatting oil theft and maritime crimes. He assured the public of their dedication to securing the Lagos maritime environment to facilitate socioeconomic activities.

Concluding the operation, the suspects, seized products, and the facility were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The swift and decisive action by the Nigerian Navy reflects their determination to eradicate illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for all.