The Nigerian Navy has finally given its account of how it swooped on vandals in Lagos last weekend and impounded more than 2,000 gallons of petroleum products from the suspected vandals' hideout at Majidun in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The products, which were concealed in 50 litres jerry cans were uncovered from the hideout by the Navy.
The Nigerian Army and other security agencies assisted the Navy in the operation.
The Nigerian Navy has finally given its account of how it swooped on vandals in Lagos last weekend and impounded more than 2,000 gallons of petroleum products from the suspected vandals' hideout at Majidun in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The products, which were concealed in 50 litres jerry cans were uncovered from the hideout by the Navy.
The Nigerian Army and other security agencies assisted the Navy in the operation.
The Navy has also given hint that, owing to the rampant cases of pipeline vandalism and oil theft around Ikorodu, the Nigerian Navy is contemplating having a base in the ancient town.
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Ilesanmi Alade, told newsmen yesterday that last weekend’s operation, which took his men sleepless nights, was carried out following a tip-off from the public.
He said: “as you may be aware the Federal Government has been confronted with the challenges of combating illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
“These illegal activities have not only led to significant loss in revenue accruable to the Federal Government, but also cause damage to strategic installations which require colossal amount of money to repair.
“Pipeline vandalism has also led to pollution of the maritime environment and in some cases, fire disasters resulting in loss of lives and property.
“Communities like Majidun, Arepo, Ogolonto and Makoko in Ikorodu Local Government area of Lagos State are renowned for illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
“The perpetrators use self-propelled barges and wooden boats to ferry the stolen products to their destinations.
“They are also usually armed to confront anyone that attempts to stop their operation.’’
Alade said the operation, code-named “Awatse’’, which literally means “Scatter”, was aimed at dislodging the perpetrators of the illegal act.
“The operation was initiated by the Nigerian Navy and supported by the Nigerian Army and it is still ongoing.
“The operation has yielded success and so far; persons arrested after interrogation and confirmed as culprits, would be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency.
“The products will be handed over to the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) for storage, pending termination of the operation,’’ he said.
The Naval chief said that on completion of the operation, the Navy would consider establishing a base in the area.
He appealed to residents of Majidun to be patient and assured them that the operation would soon be over.
“Whatever we are doing here is also in the interest of the residents of Majidun and the economic survival of the nation,’’ he said.
Alade also appealed to the public to provide the Navy with useful information to assist it in apprehending the perpetrators
“I appeal to the general public to provide us with useful information that would help sustain this fight. We really need co-operation from members of the public. There is need for residents around Majidun, Arepo and Ogolonto to provide us with information,” Alade said.
On the allegation that some of the oil thieves had the support of some traditional rulers in the area and some officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Naval boss said his command was not aware of that and investigation was still on to unravel the brains behind the act.
The seized petroleum products were later handed over to the NNPC Area Manager in charge of Mosinmi depot, Mr. Remi Eluyefa, who also thanked the Navy for their efforts.
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