Navy launches Operation Water Guard to combat smuggling, oil theft in Lagos

The Nigerian Navy, Western Naval Command on Thursday flagged off ‘Operation Water Guard’ ( OP WG) to combat smuggling, piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities in the Badagry axis of Lagos State.

Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, who flagged off the operation said the initiative is in response to the escalating maritime threats on the Lagos waterways.

The operation, according to him, is a strategic initiative aligned with the Navy’s mandate to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment, adding that the operation would specifically targets the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community to Benin Republic.

He said, “The Nigerian Navy has arrested contraband goods particularly Premium Motor Spirit, drugs and foreign parboiled rice worth billions of Naira. These could have affected availability of petroleum products as well as jeopardized efforts of small and medium scale enterprises.

“The drugs in particular could have further affected health and stability of the citizens. Eradicating these menace prompted the operation, which covers the maritime environment and adjoining land areas.

“The operation involves deployment of ships, boats, quad bikes and air assets, showcasing the Navy’s robust capabilities in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime space and the Gulf of Guinea. Prominent features of the Operation include interdiction, beach patrols, VBSS, cordon and search. It will also involve sustained presence to eliminate other crimes.

Rear Admiral Hassan, further stated that the operation would ensure the nations maritime domain is conducive during the yelutide period and beyond.

He solicited the support of communities assuring that the operation would not add to already established check points along the road but would be an intelligence led checks to complement the sustained presence at sea.

“Pertinently, intelligence facilities deployed by Navy has already revealed perpetrators’ hideouts, showcasing images and videos capturing jerrycans stored in houses. Apart from the fact that it is economic sabotage, it also poses treats of fire with consequences on life and property, which the Nigerian Navy remains resolute to abate.

“Operation Water Guard stands as a testament to the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval staff Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s waters and ensure a safer maritime environment, ” he said.