The Western Naval Command (WNC) of the Nigerian Navy launched Operation WATER GUARD to combat cross-border smuggling, piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities in the maritime space.

The operation, initiated on November 9, 2023, has already yielded results with the arrest of three boats carrying 25,000 liters of stolen crude oil.

The assets deployed include warships, aircraft, gunboats, and other naval capabilities. Operation WATER GUARD targets the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community to Benin Republic. The Navy aims to ensure maritime security, eliminate maritime crimes, and safeguard Nigeria’s waters.

The operation is particularly focused on the yuletide period, seeking support from host communities to address economic sabotage and security threats.

Smuggling, a pervasive issue affecting the Nigerian economy, involves the illicit trade of goods such as fuel, rice, and poultry products. It leads to revenue loss, market price distortion, and negatively impacts local industries.

The success of the operation relies on intelligence-led patrols and collaboration to apprehend not only perpetrators but also middlemen and buyers in the smuggling syndicate.

Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive smuggling policy with severe penalties for offenders beyond military actions.