The Western Naval Command on Thursday inaugurated “Operation Water Guard” in the Badagry axis of Lagos State.
The inauguration was part of moves to combat smuggling, piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities plaguing the maritime space.
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan during the inauguration of the operation said the exercise was set up to protect the nation’s economy.
He said “In response to the escalating maritime threats, Operation WATER GUARD is a strategic initiative aligned with the Navy’s mandate to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment. The operation specifically targets the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community to the Benin Republic.
“The operation would further ensure the nation’s maritime domain would be conducive during the yuletide period and beyond.
‘We solicit support, especially from the communities. This operation would not add to already established checkpoints along the road but we will employ intelligence-led checks which would complement the sustained presence at sea.
“We are working with sister agencies towards achieving the common goal of safeguarding our nations. We are employing a lot of intelligence and it is working.”
Speaking during the inauguration, the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, stated that the OP WG stands as a testament to the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security and the desire to protect the nation’s economic prosperity.
“The Nigerian Navy has arrested contraband goods, particularly Premium Motor Spirit, drugs, and foreign parboiled rice worth billions of Naira. These could have affected the availability of petroleum products as well as jeopardized the efforts of small and medium-scale enterprises. The drugs in particular could have further affected the health and stability of the citizens.
“Eradicating these menace prompted the operation, which covers the maritime environment and adjoining land areas.
“The operation involves deployment of ships, boats, quad bikes, and air assets, showcasing the Navy’s robust capabilities in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime space and the Gulf of Guinea. Prominent features of the Operation include interdiction, beach patrols, VBSS, cordon, and search. It will also involve sustained presence to eliminate other”.
Oguntuga disclosed that intelligence facilities have revealed hideouts of perpetrators and their vessels stored in houses.
“Pertinently, intelligence facilities deployed by the Navy have already revealed perpetrators’ hideouts, showcasing images and videos capturing jerrycans stored in houses. Apart from the fact that it is economic sabotage, it also poses threats of fire with consequences on life and property, which the Nigerian Navy remains resolute to abate.”
The Commanding officer, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry, Captain Aiwuyor Aliu, in a separate interview with journalists, added that the FOB, Badagry has arrested more than N81m worth of goods illegally transported or imported into the country in the community between March and November this year.
He said, “Since March 2023 till November 8, the Forward operating base, Badagry has arrested over N81m worth of illegal products, goods; which includes illegally refined petroleum products to be taken out of the country, Premium Motor Spirit, Automotive Gas Oil popularly known as diesel, and foreign rice brought into the country and large catches of drugs in particular marijuana also known as cannabis sativa.
“Some arrests were made on the sea, others were made during cordon and search operations within the community.”