The Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, while briefing journalists in Lagos, said the discovery of the illegal fuel depot followed the receipt of credible intelligence by NNS Beecroft on suspicious activities taking place at Elegushi Beach.
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft on Tuesday uncovered an illegal fuel depot with about 65,000 litres of Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) in Lagos.
The personnel of NNS Beecroft also arrested five suspects at No. 3 Silverbird Road, Ilasun Lekki, including the leader of the syndicate, Mr Ahmed Ariyo and four others in a private apartment where they allegedly carried out their illegal activities.
The Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, while briefing journalists in Lagos, said the discovery of the illegal fuel depot followed the receipt of credible intelligence by NNS Beecroft on suspicious activities taking place at Elegushi Beach.
Oladejo said this necessitated the deployment of NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team to the location which resulted in the discovery and arrest of the suspects.
According to Oladejo, the illegal fuel depot contains eight storage tanks of 50,000 litres capacity each, laden with about 57,000 litres of AGO; a tanker laden with about 7,000 litres; a bus with 30 jerry cans laden with about 1,500 litres.
He said the total quantity of products discovered is about 65,000 litres of AGO which is estimated to be about N89 million based on the current price of AGO which is ₦1,350 per litre.
While estimating the total capacity of the storage facility found in the apartment, Oladejo said that the eight storage tanks if filled with AGO will be about 400,000 litres which is approximately N500 million.
He further explained that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects possibly got the products through pipeline vandalism, illegal vendors at sea as well as other illegal means along the coastline.
Oladejo reiterated that NNS Beecroft will not relent in its efforts to pursue oil thieves and other criminal elements as directed by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu.
He assured law-abiding citizens of NNS Beecroft’s commitment to stamping out all forms of maritime crimes for socioeconomic activities to thrive in the Lagos maritime environment.
The Commander thereafter handed over the suspects, products and the facility to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Follow the Sahara Reporters channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFClvtH5JM6SSsP7M2Y