The outgone Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Oladejo, has said a total of 265 bags of cannabis sativa were seized and handed over to the appropriate authorities in 2024.

Mr Oladejo said this on Thursday during his send-off parade as the Base commander, held at NNS BEECROFT parade ground, Apapa, Lagos.

Mr Oladejo assumed duty as the NNS Commander on March 14, 2024 and was succeeded by Commodore Paul Nimmyel.

Mr Oladejo added that the base intercepted and intercepted 67 stowaways from different overseas-bound ships, with the most recent being eight persons found onboard MSC KATYANI on January 20.

He stated, “193 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 7,720kg were intercepted at Badagry in March 2024, and 72 bags of the same substance weighing 2,880kg at Ilashe in October 2024. Furthermore, over 18 large wooden boats laden with foreign parboiled rice, petroleum products and contraband items were arrested and handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies.’’

The commander said that these efforts as well as the operational activities of the base were conducted in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Oghalla’s strategic directive 2023-6.

He further said that the directive was tailored toward the attainment of Western Naval Command’s key operational priorities and ensuring security and prosperity of the nation.

“Under my command, NNS BEECROFT played a crucial role in promoting maritime safety and security as it promptly responded to several distress calls from mariners. The most recent being the search and rescue of MV MAMALUCK offshore Lekki on January 29, 2025. Also, the base remained unrelenting in its efforts at curtailing the menace of sea robbery, illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling and other crimes within the base’s area of operations,” Mr Oladejo added.

He stated that the base provided armed escorts to vessels and maintenance of static patrol of key points as well as vulnerable points such as the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company terminal at Atlas Cove.

“These efforts have continued to project the base positively in reaffirming the vision of the CNS,” the commander said.

Mr Oladejo said that he ensured that personnel’s welfare was given due attention because he understood that motivation impacted positively on operations.

“Accordingly, I ensured that all financial entitlements were paid in good time and made concerted efforts at improving nutritional standards. Additionally, the divisional system was reinvigorated as more attention was dedicated to ensuring high moral values for improved professional performance,” he noted.

The commander said that his tenure reactivated defective medical equipment in the base’s sickbay and ensured that the facility was regularly restocked for better health care.

He added, “We equally ensured that leaves and passes were favourably considered while measures were taken to sustain operational efficiency. Due attention was also paid to the Nigerian Navy Welfare schools under the base as we ensured that dilapidated classroom structures were rebuilt, equipped and well maintained. It is gratifying to note that these initiatives helped to address the welfare needs of personnel and their families.’’

Mr Oladejo stated that successes recorded during his tenure could not have been achieved without the support of other security and law enforcement agencies as well as maritime stakeholders.

“For instance, our collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, among other agencies was pivotal in the arrest, investigation and prosecution of various criminal suspects. Equally, liaison with the Nigerian Ports Authority ensured the relocation of some arrested vessels which hitherto constituted navigational hazards, to a bay within the Badagry Creek,” he said.

The commander disclosed that the NPA also sustained its support to the base in ensuring unhindered availability of tug services and berthing spaces for ships of the Western Fleet.

“Furthermore, the collaboration with oil companies, container terminals, truck parks and the NPA has led to improved road maintenance and better management of the traffic flow within Apapa and environs,” he said.

Mr Oladejo appreciated the patronage and support of private maritime logistics and security companies as well as other service providers in their effort to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment.

(NAN)