The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT on Thursday handed over 45 bags of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, weighing 1,575kg, to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The seizure was made near Ilesha Beach in Lagos.
Commodore Paul Nimmyel, Commander of NNS BEECROFT, disclosed that the interception was carried out by the base’s Quick Response Team on July 4, following credible intelligence. He was represented at the handover ceremony in Apapa by the Base Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien.
“On July 4, the base quick response team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two wooden boats suspected to be transporting illegal substances around Takwa Bay and Ilesha Beach Axis,” Nimmyel stated. “This operation resulted in the seizure of 45 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa; however, the suspects fled upon sighting our patrol team.”
The commander emphasized that the seizure aligns with the Nigerian Navy’s broader efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and enhance maritime security under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
“The Nigerian Navy remains actively engaged in supporting internal security operations and collaborating with sister agencies to protect lives and property in Nigeria’s maritime domain,” he said. “As part of ongoing operations in Lagos and beyond, the Nigerian Navy continues to intensify surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-driven missions to deny criminals the freedom to operate within our waterways.”
Nimmyel commended the professionalism of his personnel and urged the public to support security agencies by providing timely information to curb criminal activities.
Deputy Commander of the NDLEA Marine Command, Emmanuel Morrison, confirmed that the seized substance would be transported to the agency’s central exhibit storehouse and later destroyed upon approval.
Morrison praised the Nigerian Navy for its role in combating illegal activities in the nation’s waters, stating that such collaboration strengthens the fight against drug trafficking.
