The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted a fibre boat laden with about 4,000 litres of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in the Atlas Cove area of Lagos, as part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Briefing newsmen, the Executive Officer of NNS BEECROFT, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, who represented the Commander, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, revealed that the interception occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2025, after an intelligence-led surveillance operation.

He said the patrol team, deployed from Tarkwa Bay, used the Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness System and the Falcon Eye facility to track and intercept the boat. According to him, “The suspects abandoned the vessel and fled upon sighting naval personnel. The seized product has been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Command, for further investigation and action.”

Captain Udoessien explained that the operation aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive to maintain an effective presence across Lagos waterways, deter criminal acts, and prevent economic sabotage.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla to ensuring maritime safety and tackling all forms of illegal bunkering and oil theft.

While warning perpetrators of maritime crimes to desist, the officer emphasized that NNS BEECROFT would continue to strengthen surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety of Lagos waterways for lawful economic activities.