The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has uncovered an illegal fuel depot at No 3 Silver Bird Road, Ilasun Lekki, Lagos State.
NNS Beecroft spokesperson, Hussaini Ibrahim, said it arrested five suspects in the process, including the leader of the syndicate, Ahmed Ariyo.
The suspects were arrested in a private apartment where they carried out their illegal activities.
The discovery of the illegal fuel depot, according to NNS Beecroft’s Commander, Rafiu Taye Oladejo, was a follow-up to credible intelligence reports regarding suspicious activities at Elegushi Beach.
Oladejo disclosed that this necessitated the deployment of NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team to move to the location.
He added that the illegal fuel depot contains 8 storage tanks of 50,000 litres capacity each, laden with about 57,000 litres of AGO; a tanker laden with about 7,000 litres; a bus with 30 jerry cans laden with about 1,500 litres.
The total recovered product amounts to approximately 65,000 liters of AGO, valued at an estimated 89 million Naira based on current market prices, Oladejo said.
Oladejo also revealed that the eight storage tanks have the potential to hold a maximum of 400,000 liters if filled with AGO , valued at about 500 million Naira.
The preliminary investigation, according to him, revealed that the suspects possibly got the products through pipeline vandalism, illegal vendors at sea as well as other illegal means along the coastline.
He said the suspects have been handed over to Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
