Navy foils crude theft on vandalised NNPCL pipeline in Lagos

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft on Thursday said it uncovered and halted huge siphoning of petroleum products from one of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NPCL) pipelines at Atlas Cove in Lagos.

In a statement by Base Information Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Sub-Lieutenant Happiness Collins, made available to Maritime Today Online, the NNS Beecroft patrol team acting on credible intelligence discovered two punctured points along the NNPCL pipeline being utilized by saboteurs to connect hoses and pumping machines to siphon huge quantities of petrol.

These illegal activities by economic saboteurs, she said, posed significant threat to the nation’s products availability as well as economic well-being of Nigerians.

The statement reads, “In an outstanding display of dedication to safeguard national interest and protection of critical infrastructure, NNS BEECROFT patrol team, in collaboration with the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE led by the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, has once again displayed unwavering commitment in eradicating pipeline vandalism by harnessing technology and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) for operational efficiency.

“This innovative approach has proven to be a game-changer, resulting in a remarkable increase in the team’s ability to detect and deter criminal activities along the NNPCL pipeline.

“At approximately 11:45 am, on 1 November 2023 between ATLAS COVE and Ijegun in Lagos State, NNS BEECROFT patrol team swiftly responded to credible HUMINT, which led to the discovery of two punctured points along the NNPCL pipeline. These points were being utilized by saboteurs to connect hoses and pumping machines to siphon huge quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), conveyed along the pipeline, posing significant threat to the nation’s products availability as well as economic well-being of Nigerians.”

She said the NNPCL has been alerted of the punctured points and immediate repairs are underway to stall loss of lives and property.

“This commendable action by the Naval team not only preserves national infrastructure and availability of petroleum products but also significantly averts outbreak of catastrophic fire with attendant consequences on life and property.

“Following discovery of these punctured points, the NNPCL has been alerted, and immediate repairs are underway to stall losses. Simultaneously, efforts are ongoing to detect and rectify other potential vulnerabilities along the pipeline, ensuring a comprehensive approach to deter future illicit activities.

“This discovery undoubtedly brings to the fore, that the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and fostering economic prosperity for our beloved nation. The Nigerian Navy is proud to be at the forefront of combating pipeline vandalism, ensuring a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” the statement said.