The navy in a statement issued on Thursday by its Base Information Officer, Sub-Lieutenant HA Collins, said that the operation which was carried out on Wednesday leveraged on electro-optic facilities and air assets, through which it discovered and dismantled multiple illegal depots where thousands of jerri cans, both empty and filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were stockpiled.
The Nigeria Navy Ship Beecroft has said that its Operation Water Guard activated a week ago has uncovered and dismantled multiple illegal depots in two communities in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The navy in a statement issued on Thursday by its Base Information Officer, Sub-Lieutenant HA Collins, said that the operation which was carried out on Wednesday leveraged on electro-optic facilities and air assets, through which it discovered and dismantled multiple illegal depots where thousands of jerri cans, both empty and filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were stockpiled.
The NNS Beecroft said the illegal depots were located in Iyaafin and Itsalu communities within the Badagry inland area and adjoining creeks along the Nigeria-Benin Republic boundary.
The Commander of Joint Task Force Operation AWATSE/Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan, said that his men combed through houses, schools and recreational centers in the communities and discovered what he described as a staggering number of illicitly stored petroleum products as well as empty jerry cans prepared for future storage of products.
Hassan, who expressed concern over the potential hazards posed by these activities, urged regulatory authorities to urgently review operations of petrol stations within the communities.
He further emphasised that such intervention is crucial to preventing nefarious activities and avoiding the risk of catastrophic fires that could have dire consequences on lives and properties.
The Commander further assured the public that the confiscated products would be safely evacuated and patrols would be intensified to curtail further economic sabotage in the area and beyond.