The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard has intercepted a wooden boat conveying 71 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis along the River Niger in Kogi and arrested three persons in connection with the consignment.
Cdr. Christian Ottah, Acting Executive Officer of NNS Lugard, disclosed this on Wednesday while handing over the suspects to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lokoja.
Ottah, represented by the Commander of NNS Lugard, Cdr. Adesola Ojo, said the boat was intercepted on Sept. 8 following credible intelligence.
He said three persons were arrested during the operation.
Ottah said the naval patrol team intercepted the boat at about 4:30 p.m. and escorted it to the NNS Lugard jetty, where the suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the base for further action.
He said the operation demonstrated the importance of timely intelligence and inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other maritime crimes.
The commander said that NNS Lugard would continue to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies to strengthen surveillance, information sharing and response to security threats.
He urged riverine communities, boat operators and other waterway users to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Ottah also assured that the Navy remained committed to safeguarding lives and property, protecting critical national infrastructure and supporting a peaceful environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He, however, reminded the public that the suspects remained innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Responding, the Kogi Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Umar Yahuza, represented by the Commander of Narcotics, Mr Tuki Andeshak, said the agency would conduct a thorough investigation to determine the source of the suspected illicit drug.
Yahuza said the agency would identify the owner of the consignment and trace and apprehend the supplier.
The highlight of the briefing was the official handover of the suspects and the recovered 71 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis to the NDLEA for further investigation and appropriate legal action
