The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft said it has apprehended a large wooden boat with 193 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 7,443 kilogrammes.
The arrest was made in connection with a suspect identified as Mr. Asamani Emmanuel.
Commander Rafiu Oladejo, who briefed the media on the operation, revealed that the contraband was intercepted on Saturday, March 16.
The interception was achieved through the effective use of various Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, including Falcon Eye Alignment and the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Centre, along with human intelligence.
Oladejo credited the operation’s success to the strategic directive of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, aimed at maintaining a credible presence along Lagos waterways and nearby creeks to combat maritime crime effectively.
He issued a stern warning to those involved in illicit drug activities, emphasising that NNS Beecroft remains resolute in its pursuit of criminal elements within its operational area.
Underlining the importance of the arrest, Oladejo emphasised the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to curbing the spread and use of illicit drugs, particularly among the youth, due to the significant health risks they pose and their threat to national security.
The Navy has handed over both the seized narcotics and the suspect to officials of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command for further investigation and prosecution.