By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Beecroft has bust an illegal fuel depot in Lagos, where 65,000 litres of Automative Gas Oil (AGO) also known as diesel were recovered.
Five suspects were also arrested at the Depot located at No 3, Silverbird Road, Ilasan Lekki during the operation.
The suspects and the exhibit, which include a tanker laden with about 7,000 litres, bus with 30 Jerry cans laden with about 1,500 litres were on Wednesday handed over to the Commandant Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mr. Adetotun Keshinro.
The Nigerian Navy Ship ( NNS ), Beecroft, on Wednesday April 3, 2024, handed over five (5) suspects led by one Mr Ahmed Ariyo, ‘m,’ illegal storage facility and estimated sixty five thousand ( 65,000) litres of Automotive Gas Oil ( AGO ) also known as diesel to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command upon completion of preliminary investigation by the Navy.
The Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo handed the suspects and exhibits over to the NSCDC, Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Sunday Keshinro at noon time at the crime scene at Lekki axis.
The Commander told newsmen that the NSCDC is an appropriate government agency saddled with the responsibility to prosecute oil pipeline vandalism and arrests of this manner and as such it was imperative to also allow them to commence further investigation into the matter and bring culprits and other collaborators to book.
The State Commandant, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, while taking over the suspects and exhibits from the Nigerian Navy, yesterday, told newsmen that the command has renewed its unflinching commitment to hunt all saboteurs of our critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.
In a release by the Public Relations Officer DSC Oluwaseun Abolurin, the Commandant however noted that despite the viral campaign against this dastardly act some unrepentant members of the public still wouldn’t stop this ugly business but we will continue to do our best to sanitize this sector.
Keshinro seized the opportunity to appreciate the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, particularly for, the seamless collaborative relationship between both agency in the state.
The Lagos State Commandant also mentioned that further investigation into this matter will commence immediately and the public can be rest assured that prosecution procedures will be carried out in court to bring perpetrators to book.
Earlier, the Base Information Officer, NNS Beecroft Lieutenant Hussaini in a statement on Wednesday stated that the leader of the syndicate, Mr Ahmed Ariyo alongside 4 other persons were arrested in a private apartment where they carry out their illegal activities.
The Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo while briefing newsmen disclosed that the discovery of the illegal fuel depot was sequel to credible intelligence received by NNS BEECROFT on suspicious activities taking place at Elegushi beach.
“This necessitated the deployment of NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team to the location which resulted in the discovery and arrest of the suspects.”
Commodore RT Oladejo added that the illegal fuel depot contains 8 storage tanks of 50,000 litres capacity each, laden with about 57,000 litres of AGO; a Tanker laden with about 7,000 litres; a Bus with 30 jerry cans laden with about 1,500 litres.
Continuing, he said the total products discovered is about 65,000 litres of AGO which is estimated to be about 89 million Naira based on the current price of
AGO (₦1,350).
While estimating the total capacity of the storage facility found in the apartment, the Commander said the eight storage tanks if filled to capacity with AGO will be about 400,000 litres which is approximately 500 million Naira.
He further explained that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects possibly got the products through pipeline vandalism, illegal vendors at sea as well as other illegal means along the coastline.
Commodore Oladejo reiterated that NNS BEECROFT will not relent in its efforts to pursuing oil thieves and other criminal elements as directed by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu, Admiralty Medal.
He assured law abiding citizens of NNS BEECROFT’s commitment to stamping out Lagos maritime environment of all forms of maritime crimes for socioeconomic activities to thrive.
