TheCable

The forward operating base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy says its operatives have uncovered 15,540 litres of petrol stored in a building in the Badagry LGA of Lagos.

Speaking on the activities of the navy, B.A. Amakiri, commanding officer of FOB, said officers confiscated the product in jerrycans at about 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Amakiri said the operatives acted on intelligence about a building where the products were stored at Agbojetho-Akorin beach along Badagry-Seme road.

He said the suspected smugglers fled the building and abandoned the products which are believed to be packed to be smuggled to Benin Republic.

“The intelligence indicated that several jerry cans suspected to contain petrol were stored in a building within Agbojetho-Akorin Beach along Badagry-Seme road,” NAN quoted Amakiri as saying.

“Consequently, the Base Quick Response Team proceeded to the beach general area for investigation and possible arrest and seizure.

“The team conducted a cordon and search operation in the area and discovered 518 x 30 litres jerry cans of the suspected products.

“The perpetrators absconded on getting information about the approach of the team.

“It is suspected that the perpetrators had the intention of smuggling the products out of Nigeria to Benin Republic.

“The adjoining communities were also searched, but no other products or suspects were found.”

The FOB commanding officer said the petrol products are worth N9,479,400 at the current rate of about N610 per litre.

He added that the navy is committed to ensuring all oil smugglers are apprehended and urged Nigerians to support the NA in addressing illegal activities in the country.