Navy intercepts 486kg 'Cannabis' in Lagos

Handing over the substance to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday, Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the operation was based on credible intelligence that exposed smugglers attempting to exploit Lagos waterways.

He said the operation was part of efforts to deny criminal elements access to Nigeria’s maritime corridors, adding that the Navy was already partnering with other security services in raids of drug havens across the state.

“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 said. He disclosed that the suspects abandoned the consignment and fled upon sighting naval operatives, assuring that they had been identified and would soon be apprehended.

According to him, the operation aligned with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) to maintain a responsive and professional Navy capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain through inter-agency collaboration.

“Let me quickly recap the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal). He stated he has a vision for a navy that is mobile, agile, professional, and dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and advancing national security objectives in synergy with other security agencies. When I took over I drew the strength of my mission from that vision. My mission is to reposition Nigeria Navy Ship Beecroft to fulfil her mandate of securing the waterways in and around Lagos and by extension whatever crime originates from land, goes to sea and comes back to land. This is an example of one such crime,” he said.

Adams-Aliu emphasized that NNS Beecroft was committed to securing the waterways in and around Lagos, stressing that no stone would be left unturned.

Already, the Commander said some suspects were arrested last week during a raid of a drug den in Apart, assuring that more raids would be conducted to flush the dealers out.

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.