The Nigerian Navy on Thursday flagged off Operation Water Guard in Badagry, Lagos to checkmate the smuggling of petroleum products and other contrabands in Badagry.
Nigeriacrime.com learned that the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy in Badagry arrested over N 81 M worth of illegal goods between March 2023 till date
Speaking during the ceremony, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, said the operation would check the activities of economic saboteurs.
According to him, Badagry is a place of great historical significance in our nation but has unfortunately, gained notoriety for being a hotspot for smuggling activities.
“The smuggling of refined petroleum products, narcotics, and foreign-per-boiled rice across our Nigeria-Benin is not only a challenge, it has constituted economic sabotage and threatened the security and prosperity of our great nation.
“It is the solemn duty of the Nigerian Navy to address this issue head-on.
“Operation Water Guard is an initiative that embodies our commitment to put an end to these unlawful activities.
“We are resolute in our mission to make the Nigerian waters and
borders unattainable for maritime criminals and smugglers alike.
“The smuggling of illicit goods across our borders not only hampers our national economic progress but also undermines the rule of law and security,” he said.
Hassan said that the operation was a resounding response to this threat.
“It is our promise to the people of Nigeria that we will protect our maritime interests and ensure that our waters are secure, peaceful and free from illicit activities.
“The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, will use all necessary means to detect deter and apprehend those involved in smuggling and other maritime crimes.
“This operation represents our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our waters and upholding the rule of law.
“I want to emphasize that Operation Water Guard is not just about enforcement: it is about securing our national interests and preserving the prosperity of our nation.
“Our actions will be guided by professionalism discipline, and respect for human rights, and we will work in close cooperation with the communities and stakeholders in Badagry and beyond.
“I call upon all Nigerians to support us in this endeavour. We must stand united against those who seek to harm our nation’s interests.
“The success of Operation Water Guard depends on our collective efforts and determination to eliminate these threats,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga said they had noticed a series of people operating around this area as economic saboteurs.
“The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy in Badagry has carried out several intelligent led search operations which resulted in the detection of hundreds of Jerry cans filled with petroleum products in Ashippa community in Badagry.
“These products are being carried out of Nigeria while contrabands such as drugs, cannabis sativa, and foreign rice are being brought into the country.
“Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral E.I. Ogalla is in support of Federal Government policy to make sure that petroleum products in Nigeria are meant for Nigerians.
“That is why to support the operations of FOB Badagry, this particular operation was activated to secure the coastal community.
“The operation will be sustained to ensure Nigerians have a wonderful yuletide season and beyond and also improve the economic prosperity of our nation,” he said.
He said the operation was being sustained with many boats that would patrol the waterways, ships at sea, helicopters and drones.
In his remarks, Navy Capt. Adams-Aliu, the Commanding Officer, FOB, Badagry, said they had arrested over N81m worth of illegal goods between March 2023 till date.
According to him, these include refined petroleum products being taken out of the country, foreign rice, drugs and cannabis sativa.
“Some of these arrests were made at Sea, others are during the cordon and search operations within the community,” he said.
there were displayed of helicopters, drones and warships by the personnel of Nigerian Navy at the Ashipa beach.