As the Nigerian Navy intensifies operations to curb cross-border fuel smuggling, it has intercepted over 6,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during a targeted operation along the Badagry-Ajara axis in Lagos State.

According to the Navy, the product was recovered during operation conducted by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry following intelligence reports on the activities of smugglers operating within the area.

The Service spokesman, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said the mission formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal fuel trafficking routes and restrict the movement of petroleum products through unauthorised border corridors.

He said the personnel discovered about 240 jerrycans of 25 litres each of PMS concealed and prepared for illegal movement through the Badagry border waterways, adding that the products were subsequently recovered and evacuated to FOB Badagry for further necessary action in accordance with established procedures.

Folorunsho vowed that there would be sustained focus on dismantling the logistics chain supporting trans-border smuggling activities, particularly the illegal diversion of petroleum products through maritime and littoral routes as the Navy remains committed to maintaining operational pressure across strategic border corridors to deny criminal networks the freedom to exploit the maritime environment for economic sabotage.

Meanwhile, the Hydrographer of the Federation/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrography Agency, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, said he has reviewed the operational activities of the National Hydrographic Agency and developed a strategic plan centred on manpower development as a critical enabler for the safety of navigation and the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Fadahunsi stated this when he paid a visit to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

He noted that Naval personnel constitute a significant percentage of the agency’s workforce, reflecting the strong institutional relationship between the agency and the Service, pointing out that the agency intends to increase female participation in hydrography, in line with the International Hydrographic Organisation’s goal of broader participation by women in hydrography.

Responding, the CNS assured the Hydrographer of the Federation of continued support in the areas of manpower support and capacity development, noting that a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains central to Nigerian Navy operations.

He commended the agency for outstanding hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo States, which have gained it wide acclaim and encouraged it to strengthen local capacity development by producing training charts for the Nigerian Defence Academy Naval Wing and Nigerian Navy Training Schools.

Abbas reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening hydrographic capability as a strategic component of maritime governance, safe navigation, and national economic development.