Nigerian Navy Uncovers Illegal Fuel Depot With 65,000 Litres of Automotive Gasoline Oil In Ilasun Lekki

In a press release issued on April 3, 2024, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft announced the discovery of an illegal fuel depot and the subsequent arrest of five suspects in Ilasun Lekki.

The leader of the syndicate, Mr. Ahmed Ariyo, along with four other individuals, was apprehended in a private apartment where they conducted their illicit activities.

According to Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, Commander of NNS Beecroft, the discovery of the illegal fuel depot followed credible intelligence received by the naval ship regarding suspicious activities at Elegushi beach. Acting on this information, the NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team was deployed to the location, resulting in the discovery and arrest of the suspects.

The illegal fuel depot was found to contain eight storage tanks, each with a capacity of 50,000 litres, holding approximately 57,000 litres of Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). Additionally, a tanker carrying about 7,000 litres of AGO and a bus with 30 jerry cans, containing approximately 1,500 litres, were seized. In total, approximately 65,000 litres of AGO were discovered, valued at approximately 89 million Naira based on the current price of AGO (₦1,350).

Commodore Oladejo estimated the total capacity of the storage facility to be about 400,000 litres if all eight tanks were filled to capacity, amounting to approximately 500 million Naira. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects obtained the products through pipeline vandalism, illegal vendors at sea, and other illicit means along the coastline.

Emphasizing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combating oil theft and other maritime crimes, Commodore Oladejo reiterated that NNS Beecroft will continue to pursue criminals as directed by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu, Admiralty Medal. He assured law-abiding citizens of the navy’s dedication to eliminating maritime crimes in the Lagos maritime environment to facilitate socioeconomic activities.

The suspects, along with the seized products and facility, were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, Base Information Officer at Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, provided the information in the press release.