The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, BEECROFT has intercepted a fibre boat conveying about 4,000 litres of a substance suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, around the Atlas Cove area of Lagos, in a major operation aimed at curbing economic sabotage and strengthening maritime security.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Executive Officer of NNS BEECROFT, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, who represented the Commander, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, said the interception took place in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2025, following an intelligence-led surveillance operation.
He explained that the patrol team, stationed at Tarkwa Bay, utilised the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness system and the Western Regional Control Centre of the Falcon Eye facility to track and intercept the vessel.
“The patrol team detected and intercepted a fibre boat laden with approximately 4,000 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil at the approaches to Commodore Pool within the Atlas Cove general area.
“The suspects abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting our personnel. The product has since been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.
The naval officer noted that the operation was consistent with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive to sustain a credible presence across Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks, thereby deterring criminal activities such as oil theft and illegal bunkering.
“This successful operation is in line with the commitment of the Nigerian Navy under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla to secure the maritime environment and eliminate all forms of economic sabotage,” Udoessien stated.
Issuing a stern warning, he cautioned those engaged in illegal oil trade and related maritime crimes to desist or risk arrest and prosecution.
“NNS BEECROFT will not relent in pursuing all criminal elements operating within its jurisdiction. We will continue to intensify surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-driven operations to ensure that Lagos waterways remain safe for legitimate socio-economic activities,” he added.
