Breaking: Tension as Naval officers, mob clash over fuel smuggling in Lagos

Fierce gunfight broke out between Nigerian Navy personnel and local youths in Farasime village in the Owode Apa border area of Badagry West, Lagos State.

The confrontation reportedly started when naval ratings launched an operation to apprehend smugglers transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to Cotonou through the border.

According to source who spoke with newsmen, the confrontation began on Thursday when Nigerian Navy personnel stormed the village in an operation aimed at apprehending smugglers transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to Cotonou through the Owode Apa border.

The source, speaking from where he was hiding in his house, reported that the village youths resisted the naval officers’ attempt to make arrests. This resistance led to the naval officers opening fire, resulting in an ongoing gun battle.

With panic evident in his voice, the source said, “Right now, I’m not sure of my safety. It is Farasimè village Badagry West, Lagos state in Owode Apa border.

“It is that the Navy that came to arrest people who are smuggling fuel through there to Cotonou and youths are resisting, so the Navy officers are shooting.

“Please, somebody help us. My house is by the roadside.

“I’m not involved in smuggling. I don’t do that kind of business. Youths have put a big fire in front of my house to block the road. I’m very scared.”

Efforts to get the navy for comments at the time of filing this report failed.