Navy uncovers illegal depots in Badagry

The Nigerian Navy said it recently launched Operation Water Guard has discovered and dismantled multiple depots at Iyaafin and Itsalu communities within the Badagry axis of Lagos State.

In a statement issued by the Base Information Officer, NNS BEECROFT, Sub Liutenant Happiness Collins, the operation was carried out on Wednesday within the Badagry inland area and adjoining creeks along the Nigeria-Benin Republic boundary.

According to the Navy, the operation leveraged electro-optic facilities and air assets, through which it successfully discovered and dismantled multiple depots where thousands of jerricans both empty and filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were stockpiled.

Commander Joint Task Force Operation AWATSE and Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan, said his men combed through houses, schools, and recreational centers in the communities, where they discovered large number of illicitly stored petroleum products as well as empty jerricans 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 emphasized that such intervention is crucial to preventing nefarious activities and avoiding the risk of catastrophic fires that could have dire consequences on life and property.

The Commander further assured the public that the confiscated products would be safely evacuated, and patrols would be intensified to curtail further economic sabotage.

“This operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s steadfast commitment, under the district leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, to maritime security and the eradication of illicit activities within the nation’s maritime domain for the economic prosperity of Nigeria, ” he said.