Nigerian Navy arrests Ghanaians smuggling 120 bags of cannabis off Lagos Anchorage
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft under Operation Awatse have arrested two Ghanaian suspects with a huge wooden boat, laden with over 120 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing about 5,250 kilogrammes off the Lagos Anchorage.
The suspects arrested onboard the boat are Emmanuel Doedcher and Godswill Olamide.
A statement on Tuesday by the Base Information Officer, NNS Beecroft, Sub-Lieutenant Happiness Collins, said the suspects and boat were arrested during a patrol conducted by personnel in the early hours of Thursday, December 7, 2023.
According to the statement, the Commander NNS Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander, Operation Awatse, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, said the operation was detected by the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.
He said, “In a feat of maritime security prowess, under the ongoing Operation Water Guard, NNS Beecroft’s patrol team successfully intercepted a huge wooden boat, laden with over 120 bags of narcotics suspected to be cannabis sativa, weighing about 5,250 kilogrammes along with two foreign suspects, off Lagos Anchorage.
“This arrest took place in the early hours of December 7, 2023.
“This feat is attributed to the seamless integration of credible human intelligence and effective utilisation of the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.”
Oguntuga stated that the foreigners have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation.
Speaking on the benefit of utilising this technology he said, “The deployment of the cutting-edge technology has consistently delivered positive results, showcasing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to enhancing maritime security for economic prosperity.
“The confiscated wooden boat, along with its illicit cargo and suspects, identified as Emmanuel Doedcher and Godswill Olamide both from Ghana, were promptly apprehended and handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.
“The successful confiscation and subsequent handover underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to mitigate the impact of drugs, recognized as a catalyst for crimes, violence and other vices that pose significant threat to national security.”
Oguntuga further emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders, institutions and government agencies, under the principle of burden sharing to curb crime and criminality within the nation’s maritime environment.
