The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft said it has apprehended a large wooden boat with 193 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 7,443 kilograms. The arrest was made in connection with a suspect identified as Mr. Asamani Emmanuel.
Commander Rafiu Oladejo of NNS Beecroft briefed the media on the operation, revealing that the contraband was intercepted on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
The successful 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, emphasizing that NNS Beecroft remains resolute in its pursuit of criminal elements within its operational area.
Underlining the importance of the arrest, Oladejo emphasized 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.
Following the arrest, the Nigerian 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.