Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos State, on Friday, handed over nine and a half sacks of seized cannabis sativa worth N15.2 million to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Badagry.

Lt. Empire Okorie, the base intelligence officer, representing FOB Commanding, Navy Capt. Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said operatives seized the cannabis on Thursday in the Moba community in Badagry.

He said the navy acted after an intelligence tip-off about suspected smuggling activities within its area of operation.

“Consequently, the Base Quick Response Team, led by Lt Cdr Kelly Umoru, the base operations officer, and myself, proceeded to the scene of the crime for investigation and possible arrest.

“The team conducted a cordon and search operation, and a total of nine and a half sacks of cannabis valued at N15,200,000 were recovered.

“The adjoining communities were also searched, but no other items or suspects were found,” he said.

He said an investigation was ongoing in conjunction with other security agencies to identify the drug trafficking syndicate.

According to him, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, is committed to building a naval force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime space.

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

“This operation is aimed at denying smugglers and other criminal elements freedom of action within the Badagry general area in order to ensure security and economic stability in the area,” he added.

Mr Adams-Aliu said the handing over of the seized cannabis was in line with FOB’s Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures for Arrest, Detention and Prosecution of Persons, 2016.

Receiving the sacks, Ogomegbunem Nwadui, the deputy commander of narcotics, who represented Owen Dinneys, the area commander of the Seme Special Command of NDLEA, promised that an investigation would commence to unravel those behind the seized items.

(NAN)