In a decisive move to curb economic sabotage and strengthen maritime security across Lagos waterways, the Nigerian Navy has intercepted a fibre boat carrying approximately 4,000 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The interception, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, October 11th 2025, near the approaches to Commodore Pool within the Atlas Cove area, was executed by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team stationed at Tarkwa Bay.
Addressing the media at a press briefing on Thursday 16th October 2025, the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, represented by the Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, disclosed that the operation was made possible through the effective deployment of the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, notably the Western Regional Control Centre of the Falcon Eye Alignment System. The system enabled real-time surveillance and swift interception of the vessel. Upon sighting the patrol team, the suspects reportedly abandoned the boat and fled the scene. The seized product has since been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, represented by Superintendent Amoo Kehinde, for further investigation and necessary action.
According to Captain Udoessien, this latest success reinforces the Navy’s commitment to implementing the Strategic Directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, which emphasizes maintaining a credible naval presence across Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks. He affirmed that such operations are part of the Navy’s continuous effort to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain from illegal bunkering, smuggling and other illicit activities that threaten national economic stability.
The Navy has once again, issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in maritime crimes to desist from acts of sabotage. He stressed that NNS BEECROFT will not relent in pursuing criminal elements within its operational area, as they will continue to intensify surveillance, patrols and intelligence-driven missions to ensure Lagos waterways remain safe and conducive for legitimate socio-economic activities.
With this latest interception, the Nigerian Navy reaffirms its role as a key player in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests by leveraging technology, strategy and collaboration to keep Nigeria’s blue economy secure and thriving.
