Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos, handed over 11 sacks of cannabis sativa worth N17.6 million to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Badagry on Monday.

Navy Capt. Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the FOB commanding officer, said operatives seized the suspected cannabis sativa on December 15 at a yard close to Apa community, Badagry.

Mr Adams-Aliu was represented by Lt. EU Okorie, the base intelligence officer.

He said that the Nigerian Navy, FOB, got an intelligence tip-off of suspected smuggling activities within its area of operations.

“The intelligence indicated that persons were sighted offloading products, suspected to be cannabis sativa, at a yard close to Apa, seaside of the FOB Area of Operations.

“Consequently, the Base Response Team proceeded to the scene of the crime for investigation and possible arrest.

“The team conducted a cordon and search operation in the area, and a total of 11 sacks of the suspected products, valued at N17.6 million, were recovered.

“The suspected smugglers fled the scene on sighting our patrol team, while the adjoining communities were also searched but no other products or suspects were found,” Mr Adams-Aliu said.

According to him, investigations are ongoing in conjunction with other security agencies to identify the drug trafficking syndicate and, in due course, arrest and prosecute same.

Mr Adams-Aliu said that since the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla assumed office, he stated that his mission has been to maintain and equip a professionally competent naval force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime area of interest in fulfilment of national security imperatives.

“Similarly, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hussan, launched Operation Water Guard on November 9.

“This operation is aimed at denying smugglers and other criminal elements the freedom of action within Badagry General Area to ensure the security and economic stability of the region.

“Accordingly, these efforts are all geared towards complying with the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6, which is a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.

Mr Adams-Aliu said that the 11 sacks of the suspected products were handed over to the NDLEA line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures for Arrest, Detention and Prosecution of Persons 2016.

Receiving the exhibit, Ogomegbunem Nwadui, deputy commander narcotics, representing Owen Dinneys, area commander, Seme special command of NDLEA, promised that an investigation would commence on the seized items.

Mr Dinneys said anybody caught dealing in illegal drugs and smuggling them into the country would be punished according to the law.

He commended the Nigerian Navy on the seizures, assuring them of their collaboration in fighting the menace.

(NAN)