In a significant stride towards safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interest, Operation WATER GUARD, activated by the Nigerian Navy a week ago to combat illicit activities, has yielded a major breakthrough.
The operation, which leveraged electro-optic facilities and air assets, successfully discovered and dismantled multiple depots where thousands of jerricans both empty and filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were stockpiled.
In the afternoon of November 15, 2023, following the detection of these illegal depots located in Iyaafin and Itsalu Communities within the Badagry inland area and adjoining creeks along the Nigeria-Benin Republic boundary, Rear Admiral MB Hassan, Commander Joint Task Force Operation AWATSE/Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, addressed journalists, reported the swift and thorough action taken by his men, who combed through houses, schools, and recreational centers in these communities, discovering a staggering number of illicitly stored petroleum products as well as empty jericans prepared for future storage of products.
Expressing concern over the potential hazards posed by these activities, Rear Admiral MB Hassan 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.
Attached to this press release are relevant pictures and videos documenting the operation.
Sub-Lieutenant HA Collins, anipr
Base Information Officer,
Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT
