The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on Thursday handed over 45 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing approximately 1,575 kilograms, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Apapa, Lagos.
Commodore Paul Nimmyel, Commander of NNS BEECROFT, made this known during the handover ceremony.
Represented by the base’s Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, he stated that the seizure was made near Ilesha Beach as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking and improve maritime security.
He explained that the operation was carried out on July 4 by the base’s quick response team, acting on credible intelligence.
Two wooden boats suspected of transporting illegal substances were intercepted around the Takwa Bay and Ilesha Beach area. The suspects, however, escaped on sighting the naval patrol team.
“This operation led to the seizure of 45 bags containing substances suspected to be cannabis sativa.
The swift response of our team prevented these drugs from reaching the streets,” Nimmyel said.
He noted that the success was part of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained operations under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at securing Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“The Navy remains committed to supporting internal security operations and cooperating with other agencies to safeguard lives and property.
We are intensifying patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-led operations to eliminate criminal activities in our waters,” he added.
Commodore Nimmyel praised the professionalism and vigilance of his personnel and called on the public to support security efforts by providing timely and actionable intelligence.
In response, the Deputy Commander of NDLEA’s Marine Command, Emmanuel Morrison, confirmed receipt of the confiscated drugs.
He said the items would be taken to the central exhibit storage facility and later destroyed following legal procedures.
Morrison commended the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking and strengthening law enforcement on Nigeria’s waterways.