In its latest operation between July 22 and 24 2024, the Nigerian Navy units across the Nation’s maritime domain uncovered a storage facility for illegal oil bunkering, rescued four fishermen and seized 56 bags of cannabis within the period.
The Navy said on Monday, 22 July 2024, the Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY, uncovered an illegal storage facility used by illegal bunkerers of crude oil and refined products at Egbema Okwuzi town in Rivers State.
Accordingly, the team swiftly cordoned the area and arrested two suspects involved in the illegal activities. It said about 68,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil was stored in various containers, sacks, drums and tanks within the facility.
“Additionally, equipment such as pumping machines, hoses, and outboard engines, were also discovered within the illegal facility. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the owner of the illegal facility and other collaborators,” the Navy said in a statement signed by its Director of Information, Commodore Adam’s Aliu.
It added that on the same day, Monday July 22 2024 at about 9:40pm, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BADAGRY rescued four drowning fishermen about 10 nautical miles from Lagos Fair Way Bouy. The fishermen, it said were all Ghanaians fishing within the area when their boat capsized due to the rough seas.
“In a different incident, on Wednesday 24 July 2024, the Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 56 bags of cannabis sativa at MOBA Beach, Badagry. The Quick Response Team is currently in pursuit of the suspects who will be arrested soon.”
It restated the determination of the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to keep the nation’s waters safe and secure for legitimate economic activities. It warned nefarious elements to desist from perpetuating any form of illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.