LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Nigerian Navy has issued a stern warning to criminals operating in Nigeria’s maritime domain, declaring that illegal activities at sea will no longer be tolerated. This announcement comes after the Navy successfully intercepted suspected oil thieves and drug smugglers in separate operations on February 10, 2025.
Commodore Paul Nimmyel, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, paraded suspects arrested on Lagos waters. The individuals were allegedly preparing to steal petroleum products using over 400 jerricans, each with a 250-litre capacity. Acting on intelligence from the Falcon Eye Alignment’s Western Regional Control Centre, the NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team intercepted a large wooden boat near Lagos anchorage as it attempted to flee towards Benin Republic.
“The boat had seven suspects onboard and contained 408 empty drums, three pumping machines, and eight Yamaha 40HP outboard engines,” Commodore Nimmyel said. “This operation has successfully prevented a significant economic loss.”
He emphasized the Navy’s commitment to tackling maritime crimes, echoing the mandate of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. With Nigeria’s economy heavily reliant on oil, the Navy is determined to protect the sector from economic sabotage.
In a separate operation on the same day, NNS BEECROFT personnel intercepted boats smuggling cannabis sativa along the Topo Badagry and Long Jetty axis. While the suspects escaped, 28 bags of the illegal substance, weighing approximately 1,120 kilograms, were recovered. The drugs were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Commodore Nimmyel reiterated the Navy’s collaboration with other agencies to combat drug smuggling, which he described as a threat to national security and a contributor to social instability. He highlighted the crucial role of the Falcon Eye surveillance system in these operations.
“We are sending a clear message to criminals involved in illegal oil bunkering, smuggling, and other illicit activities: we will not relent,” Commodore Nimmyel stated. “The Nigerian Navy is fully committed to ensuring maritime security and preventing economic sabotage.”
The Navy has assured the public that operations will be sustained and offenders brought to justice. Recovered contraband will be handled according to due legal process. These recent successes underscore the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to maintain security and protect Nigeria’s vast maritime environment.
