The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has intensified its crackdown on smuggling activities along the Badagry–Porto Novo corridor, seizing large quantities of illegally transported petroleum products and contraband in a series of successful operations.
Massive Petrol Seizures at Oulak Filling Station
On March 7, 2025, at 10:20 PM, naval personnel raided Oulak Filling Station near Badagry Market Junction, intercepting smugglers loading petroleum products into jerry cans. The operation resulted in the seizure of 131 jerry cans (30 liters each) and 71 jerry cans (40 liters each), totaling approximately 6,770 liters of petrol, alongside 188 empty jerry cans. The smugglers fled upon sighting security forces, abandoning the contraband, which was later secured at the base.
Further Busts at Farasime Community
Acting on intelligence, FOB personnel struck again on March 8, 2025, at Farasime Community, where 40 jerry cans (25 liters each), totaling 1,000 liters of petrol, were discovered abandoned by smugglers attempting to move them across the border. The seized items were transferred to the naval base for further action.
Destruction of Seized Fuel
To prevent the illegal recirculation of smuggled petroleum products, the Navy carried out a destruction exercise on March 11, 2025, where 318 jerry cans of confiscated petrol were destroyed at the base.
Night Operations at Bollington Beach and Badagry-Porto Novo Creek
In another major bust, on March 14, 2025, at 12:15 AM, naval forces acted on intelligence reports and intercepted smugglers attempting to transport petroleum products via wooden boats at Bollington Beach. The operation led to the recovery of 234 jerry cans (25 liters each), totaling 5,850 liters of petrol, abandoned by fleeing smugglers.
Later that night, at 2:54 AM, a targeted operation along the Badagry–Porto Novo Creek waterway aimed at apprehending smugglers. While the primary suspects managed to escape, a land patrol unit intercepted and seized 71 bags of smuggled rice at 3:30 AM. The smugglers abandoned the contraband and fled, allowing security personnel to secure the goods.
Navy Reiterates Commitment to Combating Smuggling
These operations underscore FOB Badagry’s commitment to enforcing the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, aimed at curbing smuggling and other illicit activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain, particularly in Badagry–Porto Novo Creek and its surroundings.
The Nigerian Navy has warned all smugglers and perpetrators of illegal activities that its operations will continue unabated. Anyone caught engaging in these crimes will face the full force of the law.