The Nigerian Navy ship (NNS) Beecroft, has uncovered a 400,000-litre bunker, where diesel is stored, at a residential apartment in the Lekki area of Lagos.
Commander of the NNS Beecroft, Rafiu Oladejo, who confirmed the development, said operatives acted on credible intelligence received about suspicious activities at Elegushi Beach in Lagos.
A press statement issued by Hussaini Ibrahim, Spokesperson of NNS Beecroft, disclosed that the illegal depot was uncovered in a residential area, at 3 Silverbird Road, Ilasan, Lekki. Five suspects including the leader of the syndicate, Ahmed Ariyo, were arrested.
The commander said the illegal fuel depot contains 8 storage tanks of 50,000 litres capacity each, laden with about 57,000 litres of diesel; a tanker laden with about 7,000 litres of diesel; and a bus of 30 jerrycans with about 1,500 litres.
While 65,000 litres of diesel, estimated to cost over N89 million was intercepted at the apartment, Oladejo said the eight storage tanks, if filled to capacity, will contain 400,000 litres of diesel, worth about N500 million.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects got the products through pipeline vandalism and illegal vendors along the coastline.
Meanwhile, all suspects and products have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.
