Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, expressed concern over the situation, noting that the suspects were operating under the guise of an unregistered company named Ahmed Ariyo Sons Nigeria Limited, within a residential neighborhood. The suspects included Ariyo, two sisters, and others, who were running an illegal family business without regard for safety protocols.

Oladejo highlighted the economic and security implications of such illicit activities, particularly in the event of a fire disaster. The confiscation yielded eight tanks with a capacity of 50,000 liters each, totaling 57,000 liters of AGO, along with additional quantities found in a truck and a white TM bus.

Further investigation revealed additional storage containers carefully stocked inside another TM bus and within the compound itself. The estimated market value of the confiscated AGO amounted to N89,000,000, with the storage facilities potentially valued at N500 million if filled to full capacity.

Despite the significant seizure, Oladejo emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in accordance with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. He indicated that the operation was likely not a one-man show, hinting at possible collaborators in the crime.

Meanwhile, Ariyo, seemingly unperturbed, admitted to starting the business five years prior and claimed to have secured a N50 million loan from a bank. However, investigations revealed that the business was not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and it had been sourcing supplies from workers in oil vessels known as "Remain on Board" (RB).

This operation underscores the Nigerian Navy's commitment to combating illegal activities within the maritime environment, aiming to safeguard lives, properties, and the nation's economic interests.