The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos, on Tuesday handed over eight sacks of cannabis sativa worth N12.8 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Badagry.
The suspected cannabis sativa were seized on Monday at Abojedo community around Sultan Beach, in Badagry.
Lt. Adedeji Adeyemi, the Base Internal Security Commander representing FOB Commanding, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the Navy, FOB, acted on intelligence tip-off on suspected smuggling activities within its area of operations.
“The intelligence indicated that persons were sighted off-loading products suspected to be cannabis sativa at Abojedo community, seaside of the FOB Area of Operations.
“Consequently, the Base Quick 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 eight sacks of the suspected products which valued at N12.8 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,” he said.
Adeyemi said that since the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla assumed office, he stated that his mission was to maintain and equip a professionally competent naval force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime area of interest in fulfillment of national security imperatives.
“Similarly, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hussan, on Nov. 9, 2023, launched Operation Water Guard.
“This operation is aimed at denying smugglers and other criminal elements the freedom of action within Badagry General Area in order to ensure 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 Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
Adeyemi said that in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures for Arrest, Detention and Prosecution of persons 2016, FOB, Badagry will be hanging over the nine and half sacks of the narcotics to the NDLEA.
Receiving the exhibit, Mr Emmanuel Ogbogoh, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, representing Mr Owen Dinneys, the Area Commander, Seme Special Command of NDLEA, promised that investigation would commence on the seized items.
He said that whoever was found involved in the illegal drugs smuggling into the country would be punished according to the law.
Ogbogoh commended the Nigerian Navy for collaboration with the agency in tackling the menace.
He said the handing over of the substance had showed that NDLEA could not fight the menace alone.
