By Oyebade Eniola (SIWES student, Ibadan Poly)
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, under the command of Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, has successfully put an end to the theft of crude oil from a pipeline located at Atlas Cove in Lagos, owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Acting on an intelligence report, their team intercepted the vessel MT Andari Timo, which was illicitly loading petroleum products with five individuals onboard.
This intervention took place on Wednesday, ceasing the illegal activities of fuel thieves who had connected hoses and suction pumps to vandalized portions of the pipeline to steal petrol.
Following the operation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was promptly notified, and repair work on the damaged pipeline sections is already in progress.
The Navy is actively engaged in identifying and rectifying other potential vulnerabilities along the pipeline, with the goal of establishing a comprehensive strategy to deter future illegal activities.
Commodore Oguntuga emphasized the significance of curbing such economic sabotage, as it poses a substantial threat to the availability of petroleum products and the nation’s economic well-being.
