The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted a fibre boat laden with about 4,000 litres of products suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Lagos, as part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage and enhance maritime security within the state’s coastal communities.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, 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.
According to him, the patrol team stationed at Tarkwa Bay acted on intelligence from the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facility, particularly the Western Regional Control Centre of the Falcon Eye Alignment, which detected the movement of the suspicious vessel.
“The fibre boat, laden with approximately 4,000 litres of suspected AGO, was intercepted around the approaches to Commodore Pool within the Atlas Cove general area,” Udoessien said. “The suspects, however, fled the scene upon sighting our patrol team, abandoning the boat and its contents.”
He added that the seized product has since been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, represented by Superintendent Amoo Kehinde, for further investigation and necessary action.
Captain Udoessien emphasized that the operation aligns with the Strategic Directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, aimed at maintaining a credible naval presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to combat economic sabotage and maritime crimes.
He warned individuals and groups engaged in illegal maritime activities to desist, stating that NNS BEECROFT remains resolute in its mission to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“We will not rest on our oars in pursuing all criminal elements operating within our area of operation. The command will continue to intensify surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-driven missions to deny criminals the freedom to operate,” he said.
Udoessien reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to ensuring a secure maritime environment where legitimate socio-economic activities can thrive.
