Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos, on Monday handed over 11 sacks of cannabis sativa worth N17.6 million to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) in Badagry.
Navy Capt. Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the FOB Commanding Officer, said operatives seized the suspected cannabis sativa on Dec. 15 at a Yard close to Apa community, Badagry.
Adams-Aliu was represented by Lt. EU Okorie, the Base Intelligence Officer.
He said that the Nigerian Navy, FOB, got an intelligence tip-off of suspected smuggling activities within its area of operations.
“The intelligence indicated that persons were sighted offloading products, suspected to be cannabis sativa, at a Yard close to Apa, seaside of the FOB Area of Operations.
“Consequently, the Base Response Team, poceeded to the scene of the crime for investigation and possible arrest.
“The team conducted a cordon and search operation in the area and a total of 11 sacks of the suspected products which valued N17.6 mlion were recovered.
“The suspected smugglers fled the scene on sighting our Patrol Team, while the adjoining communities were also searched but no other products or suspects were found,” Adams -Aliu said.
According to him, investigation are ongoing in conjunction with other security agencies to identify the drug trafficking syndicate and in due course arrest and prosecute same.
Adams-Aliu said that since the Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla assumed office, he stated that his mission is to maintain and equip a professionally competent naval force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime area of interest in fulfilment of national security imperatives.
“Similarly, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hussan, on Nov. 9, launched Operation Water Guard.
“This operation is aimed at denying smugglers and others criminal element the freedom of action within Badagry General Area in order to ensure security and economic stability of the region.
“Accordingly, these efforts are all geared towards complying with the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6 which is a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
Adams-Aliu said that the 11 sacks of the suspected products was handed over to the NDLEA line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures for Arrest, Detention and Prosecution of persons 2016.
Receiving the exhibit, Mrs Ogomegbunem Nwadui, Deputy Commander Narcotics, representing Mr Owen Dinneys, Area Commander, Seme Special Command of NDLEA, promised that investigation would commence on the seized items.
Dinneys said anybody caught dealing in illegal drugs and smuggling them into the country would be punished according to the law.
He commended the Nigerian Navy on the seizures, assuring them of their collaboration in fighting the menace.
