As subsets of recent exercise code name operation water guard, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has intercepted over 25,000 litres of Perimium Menthulated Spirit (PMS) in Badagry area of Lagos.
The NNS in a decisive move to combat illegal activities in the maritime domain under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing ‘Operation Water Guard.’
“The NN acting on credible intelligence facilitated by the state-of-the-art Falcon Eye Alignment, the NNS Beecroft Patrol Team successfully apprehended over 500 jerry cans, each containing 50 liters of suspected PMS in the Badagry area of Lagos state,” he said.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command who is also the leader of the joint force team operation AWATSE, Rear Admiral MB Hassan, said the operation executed at 2:30 am Friday, November 10, 2023, showcased the Navy’s commitment to enforcing maritime security and the perpetrators, upon detecting the patrol team, evaded capture by jumping into the water and due to legal constraints, the team refrained from using force while the suspects were swimming.
“Utilizing advanced intelligence from various sources, the Navy aims to identify the masterminds behind this illegal operation and locate storage facilities. Some confiscated products were discovered in houses in Badagry, housing vulnerable populations, leading authorities to issue stern warnings instead of immediate destruction.”
FOC urged fuel station authorities in Badagry to enhance monitoring and prevent the sale of stolen products. He also stated the difficulty of community-based intelligence in Badagry due to widespread involvement in illicit activities.
