The Nigerian Navy has reinforced its fight against drug trafficking with the interception of 486 kilograms of cannabis sativa in Lagos State.
The seizure was carried out by operatives of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft during a routine patrol operation conducted around the Abule Oshu area of Amuwo-Odofin.
The Commander NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, told newsmen at a briefing during the handover of the confiscated narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), that the operation was based on credible intelligence which exposed the movement of smugglers attempting to exploit Lagos waterways.
He explained that the exact quantity seized was 486 kilograms, nearly 500 kilograms, describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements access to Nigeria’s maritime corridors.
“Maritime crimes often originate from land, pass through the sea, and sometimes return to land. We are fully aware of the smuggling routes being used, including attempts by criminals from neighbouring countries to exploit our waterways. That will no longer be allowed,” the Commander stated.
He disclosed that the suspects abandoned the consignment and fled upon sighting naval operatives but assured that they had been identified and would soon be apprehended.
According to him, the operation aligns with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff to maintain a responsive and professional Navy capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain through inter-agency collaboration.
His words: “Let me quickly recap on the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal). He stated that he has a vision for a navy that is mobile agile professional dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and advancing national security objectives in synergy with other security agencies. And when I took over, I drew the strength of my mission from that vision and my mission is to reposition Nigeria Navy Ship Beecroft to fulfill her mandate of securing the waterways in and around Lagos and by extension whatever crime that originates from land and goes to sea and comes back to land and this is an example of one of such crimes.”
He emphasized that NNS Beecroft remains committed to securing the waterways in and around Lagos, stressing that the fight against illicit trafficking requires sustained synergy between security agencies.
Receiving the seized narcotics, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Adejumo Gbenga of the NDLEA, commended the Navy for its consistent support in the anti-drug campaign.
He described the Navy as one of the agency’s strongest operational partners in Lagos State and across the country, noting that the collaboration had significantly boosted efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking.
“We are confident that this partnership will continue until all those sponsoring and facilitating drug trafficking are brought to justice,” he said.
The NDLEA is expected to commence further investigation and prosecution processes, while the Navy continues its manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
