Nigerian Navy Foils Attempted Oil Theft

…Seizes 4,000 Litres of Suspected AGO in Lagos Waters

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted a fibre boat laden with about 4,000 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2025, around the Commodore Pool area within the Atlas Cove general axis of Lagos.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the Executive Officer of NNS BEECROFT, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, who represented the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to curb economic sabotage and enhance maritime security within Lagos State and its coastal communities.

According to Captain Udoessien, the interception was made possible through the effective deployment of the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness facility, specifically the Western Regional Control Centre of the Falcon Eye Alignment System, which detected and tracked the suspect vessel.

“The suspects abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting our patrol team. The product has since been handed over to the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, Superintendent Amoo Kehinde, for further investigation and necessary action,” Udoessien stated.

He emphasized that the operation aligns with the Strategic Directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, aimed at maintaining credible presence along the Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to eradicate all forms of economic sabotage and maritime crimes.

Captain Udoessien further warned criminal elements operating within the maritime domain to desist from illegal activities, assuring that the Navy would continue to intensify surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-driven missions to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment.

“NNS BEECROFT will not relent in its efforts to deny criminals the freedom to operate within Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks. Our objective remains to ensure that legitimate socio-economic activities can thrive without hindrance,” he added.

The Nigerian Navy has, in recent months, strengthened its patrol operations across coastal areas to combat oil theft, piracy, and other maritime offenses threatening the nation’s blue economy.