Navy Uncovers Illegal Crude Oil Storage Facility, Seizes 56 Bags Of Marijuana Across Maritime Domain

Nigerian Navy has disclosed the uncovering of an illegal storage facility for oil bunkering and seizure of 56 bags of Cannabis within three days of massive operations across the nation’s maritime domain.

In the same stride, the force rescued four drowning Ghanaian fishermen and confiscated 56 bags of Cannabis within Lagos harbour between the 22nd – 24th July, 2024.

Disclosing this in Abuja on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Aiyuwor Adams-Aliu explained that on Monday, 22nd July, 2024, the Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY, uncovered the illegal storage facility used by illegal bunkerers of crude oil and refined products at Egbema Okwuzi town in Rivers State.

He observed that the team cordoned the area and arrested two suspects involved in the illegal activities.

As a result, about 68,000 litres of illegally refined Automative Gas Oil stored in various containers, sacks, drums and tanks were recovered within the facility.

Additionally, Cdre Adams-Aliu noted, “equipment such as pumping machines, hoses, and outboard engines, were also discovered within the illegal facility.

Adding that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the owner of the illegal facility and other collaborators, he warned every criminal element to desist from perpetuating any form of illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.

The DINFO further stated in the statement that “On the same day, Monday, 22 July 2024, 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, who were all Ghanaians were 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 while the force’s Quick Response Team is currently in pursuit of the suspects.

Cdre Adams-Aliu used the opportunity to remind all operators and stakeholders within the Nation’s maritime domain that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, is poised to keep the Nation’s waters safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.