The Nigerian Navy’s Operation Water Guard has uncovered numerous illegal depots containing thousands of filled and empty Jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Badagry and the Nigerian-Benin boundary communities. Rear Admiral MB Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, announced the discovery during a press briefing on Thursday, attributing it to the effective use of electro-optic facilities and air assets.
The illegal depots were found in schools, houses, and recreational centers within the Badagry inland area and adjacent creeks along the Nigeria-Benin Republic boundary. Operation Water Guard, initiated a week ago to combat illicit activities, achieved a significant breakthrough in dismantling these depots.
On November 15, 2023, NN personnel swiftly took action following the detection of illegal depots in Iyaafin and Itsalu Communities. They thoroughly combed through houses, schools, and recreational centers, uncovering a considerable amount of illicitly stored petroleum products and empty Jerry cans prepared for future storage.
Expressing concern about the potential hazards posed by these activities, Rear Admiral MB Hassan urged regulatory bodies to review the operations of petrol stations within these communities. He assured the public that the confiscated products would be safely evacuated, and patrols in the area would be intensified to prevent further economic sabotage.
The operation reaffirms the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, to maritime security and the elimination of illicit activities within the nation’s maritime domain for the economic prosperity of Nigeria.
