The Nigerian Navy has intensified its operations to curb cross-border fuel smuggling, intercepting over 6,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during a targeted operation along the Badagry-Ajara axis in Lagos State. The product was recovered by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry, following intelligence reports on the activities of smugglers operating within the area.
Details of the Operation
According to the Navy spokesman, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the mission was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal fuel trafficking routes and restrict the movement of petroleum products through unauthorised border corridors. The personnel discovered about 240 jerrycans, each containing 25 litres of PMS, concealed and prepared for illegal movement through the Badagry border waterways. 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. 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.
Hydrography and Blue Economy
Meanwhile, the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrography Agency, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, has reviewed the operational activities of the 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 during 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. 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 and capacity development. He noted that a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains central to Nigerian Navy operations. Abbas 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.
