The Nigerian Navy on Monday, August 24, intercepted 500 litres of products suspected to be illegally sourced Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popularly known as diesel and substances suspected to be cannabis during an operation in Folu Community, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Lekki as part of efforts to curb the illegal trade and storage of petroleum products and the proliferation of illicit drugs within the base’s area of operations.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the personnel acted on information regarding suspected illicit activities in the community and moved to the area to disrupt the operation.
He said the suspects fled the scene before they could be apprehended, abandoning the suspected illegally sourced petroleum products and substances believed to be cannabis.
Folorunsho said the recovered items were secured by the naval personnel and transported to the base for further investigation and appropriate action in line with established procedures.
He said the operation formed part of the Nigerian Navy’s broader efforts to prevent criminal activities involving petroleum products and illicit substances within coastal communities and waterways.
According to him, the interception demonstrated the Navy’s continued efforts to deny criminal elements access to routes and locations used to facilitate the illegal movement, storage and distribution of petroleum products.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to disrupting activities that threaten national economic interests, public safety and security within its area of operations,” he said.
The Director of Naval Information added that personnel of the Nigerian Navy would continue to conduct surveillance, patrols and intelligence-driven operations across the country’s coastal areas to identify and disrupt criminal activities.
He said the Navy would also sustain collaboration with relevant security and law enforcement agencies to address activities capable of undermining national security and economic interests.
The latest operation also highlights the security challenges associated with coastal communities in Lagos, where waterways and remote locations can be exploited by criminal elements to conceal or transport illicit products.
The Navy said the recovered items would remain in its custody pending further investigation, while efforts would continue to identify and apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.
The operation is part of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained activities aimed at protecting critical national assets, preventing economic sabotage and maintaining security across its area of operations.
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