The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos State, on Thursday handed over 15 bags of seized cannabis sativa, worth N21m, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) in Badagry.
Navy Capt. Augustus Amakiri, the Commanding Officer of the FOB, said the operatives seized the cannabis around 2.00.p.m March 2, at Ilaje beachside, Badagry, Lagos.
“We got an intelligent tip-off of suspected smuggling activities within Area of Operation.
“The team conducted cordon and search operation in the area and discovered bags floating towards seashore.
“Upon further investigation, 15 bags were found containing items suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.
“However, the Base Quick Response Team (QRT) led by the gunboat officer was informed and quickly mobilized to the scene of the event.
“The QRT raided the general area, likewise the adjoining communities were also searched but no other products or suspected items were found,” he said.
Amakiri said that the 15 bags of products, worth about N21m, were suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic by the perpetrators.
“Furthermore, it is important to inform the public that investigation is ongoing in conjunction with other security agencies to identify the drug trafficking syndicate and in due course arrest and prosecute same.
“Recall that since the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla assumed office, he stated that his mission is 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 Adm. Mustapha Hassan 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 in the region while fulfilling the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
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The Commanding Officer said that the sustained efforts of FOB BADAGRY were geared towards complying with the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6 which is to maintain a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
Receiving the bags, Mrs Ogomegbunem Nwadui, Deputy Commander, Narcotics, who represented Mr Owen Dinneys, the Area Commander, Seme Special Command of NDLEA, promised that an investigation would commence to unravel those behind the seized Items. (NAN)
