Navy Transfers Confiscated Marijuana Bags to NDLEA in Badagry
On Friday, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry, Lagos State, turned over nine and a half sacks of confiscated cannabis sativa, valued at N15.2 million, to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Badagry.
Lieutenant Empire Okorie, serving as the Base Intelligence Officer and representing FOB Commanding Navy Capt. Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu reported that the naval operatives confiscated the cannabis on Thursday in the Moba community, Badagry. This action was taken following an intelligence tip-off regarding suspected smuggling activities within the navy’s operational area.
“The intelligence indicated that a boat was sighted offloading the items, suspected to be cannabis sativa, at Moba riverine community in Badagry, “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.
Lt. Empire Okorie mentioned that an ongoing investigation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, aims to identify the drug trafficking syndicate. The intention is to apprehend and prosecute those involved. He also highlighted the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to the development of a naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime space.
“Similarly, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, on Nov.9, launched Operation Water Guard.
“This operation is aimed at denying smugglers and other criminal elements freedom of action within Badagry general area in order to ensure security and economic stability in the area.
“Accordingly, these efforts are all geared towards complying with the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6, to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,” he added.
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Adams-Aliu stated that the transfer of the confiscated cannabis aligns with FOB’s Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures for Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Persons, 2016.
Upon receiving the sacks, Mrs. Ogomegbunem Nwadui, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, who stood in for Mr. Owen Dinneys, the Area Commander of Seme Special Command of NDLEA, pledged to initiate an investigation to uncover those responsible for the seized items.
