NIGERIAN NAVY SHIP, NNS BEECROFT, OPERATIONS AWATSE INTERCEPTS PETROLEUM PRODUCTS BETWEEN ATLAS COVE AND IJEGUN 02-11-23
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS BEECROFT in collaboration with the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE has intercepted huge siphoning of petroleum products between Atlas Cove and Ijegun in Lagos.
The Commander NNS BEECROFT Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga made this known during a press briefing in Lagos.
Commodore Oguntuga explained that NNS BEECROFT patrol team swiftly responded yesterday at about 11:45am, to credible human intelligence for operational efficiency which led to the discovery of two punctured points along the NNPCL pipeline, between ATLAS COVE and Ijegun in Lagos State.
These points were being utilized by saboteurs to connect hoses and pumping machines to siphon huge quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), conveyed along the pipeline, thereby limiting the availability of the product, which is a major driver of the economy..
The Commander NNS BEECROFT said the Naval patrol team led by him has once again displayed unwavering commitment in eradicating pipeline vandalism by harnessing technology and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) for operational efficiency.
Comodore Oguntuga pointed out that commendable action by the Naval team not only preserves national infrastructure and availability of petroleum products but also significantly averts outbreak of catastrophic fire with attendant consequences on lives and property.
Comodore Oguntuga stressed that the discovery was a further demonstration that the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and fostering the country’s economic prosperity.
With the discovery of these punctured points, the NNPCL has been alerted, and immediate repairs are underway to forestall losses.
Simultaneously, efforts are ongoing to detect and rectify other potential vulnerabilities along the pipeline, ensuring a comprehensive approach to deter future illicit activities.