Sophia Michaels
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft has uncovered two punctured points on the pipeline of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which are being used by vandals to steal petroleum between Atlas Cove and Ijegun areas of Lagos State, according to SaharaReporters.
The navy authorities on Thursday said that the points were being utilised by saboteurs to connect hoses and pumping machines to siphon huge quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), conveyed along the pipeline, posing significant threat to the nation’s products.
The NNS Beecroft patrol team led by Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, in collaboration with the Maritime Component of Operation Awatse made the discovery according to a release by Sub-Lieutenant HA Collins, the Base Information Officer and obtained by SaharaReporters.
“At approximately 11:45 am, on 1 November 2023 between Atlas Cove and Ijegun in Lagos State, the NNS Beecroft patrol team swiftly responded to credible human intelligence, which led to the discovery of two punctured points along the NNPCL pipeline. These points were being utilized by saboteurs to connect hoses and pumping machines to siphon huge quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), conveyed along the pipeline, posing significant threat to the nation’s products availability as well as economic well-being of Nigerians.
“Following discovery of these punctured points, the NNPCL has been alerted, and immediate repairs are underway to stall losses. Simultaneously, efforts are ongoing to detect and rectify other potential vulnerabilities along the pipeline, ensuring a comprehensive approach to deter future illicit activities.
“This discovery undoubtedly brings to the fore, that the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and fostering economic prosperity for our beloved nation.”
