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‘Operation Water Guard’ activated by the Nigerian Navy a week ago to combat illicit activities, has in a major breakthrough, dismantled multiple depots where thousands of jerry cans both empty and filled were stockpiled, with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The operation, which leveraged electro-optic facilities and air assets, was undertaken in a stride towards safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interest.
Rear Admiral MB Hassan, Commander Joint Task Force Operation AWATSE/ Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, told journalists, of 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 jeri cans prepared for future storage of products.
Trouble started in the afternoon of November 15, 2023, following the detection of the illegal depots located in Iyaafin and Itsalu Communities within the Badagry inland area and adjoining creeks along the Nigeria-Benin Republic boundary,
Expressing concern over the potential hazards posed by these activities, Rear Admiral MB Hassan urged regulatory authorities to urgently review the 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.
Base Information Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Sub-Lieutenant HA Collins disclosed this development in a statement.. –Maritime First
