1 week ago
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The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has arrested nine suspected oil thieves and intercepted 28 bags of cannabis sativa weighing over 756kg in a series of maritime security operations in Lagos waters.
The Navy made these arrests in two days, February 10 and 11, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat oil theft, smuggling, and other maritime crimes in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023–2026.
Addressing journalists Wednesday, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, detailed how the operatives launched a successful operation following intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre of the Falcon Eye Alignment (FEA).
“On February 10, 2025, the Falcon Eye Alignment system detected suspicious movement of a large wooden boat around Lagos anchorage. Our Quick Response Team (QRT) stationed at Tarkwabay was immediately deployed to intercept the boat, which attempted to flee towards Benin Republic after a possible tip-off,” Commodore Nimmyel explained.
The boat was carrying seven suspects, 408 empty drums, three pumping machines, and eight Yamaha 40HP outboard engines. He noted that this swift action prevented a significant economic loss due to potential illegal oil bunkering activities.
In a separate operation, the Navy apprehended two suspects involved in smuggling cannabis sativa on Sunday, February 10, 2025. The QRT, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the suspects in a boat carrying a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine around the Topo, Badagry axis.
“Intercepted telephone conversations confirmed that the suspects had been contacted to supply the engine to assist a smuggling operation at sea,” the Commander revealed.
Additionally, in the early hours of Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Navy intercepted 28 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 756kg at Long Jetty, Ibeche Beach. However, the suspects fled upon sighting the QRT, avoiding arrest
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