The Nigerian Navy has dealt a major blow to drug trafficking operations in Lagos, as the NNS BEECROFT disrupted a drug syndicate and seized 489 kilograms of cannabis sativa. The confiscated narcotics have been officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and destruction.
NNS BEECROFT Intercepts 489kg of Cannabis in Lagos
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, revealed that the seizure followed credible intelligence gathered by the Navy’s patrol team.
According to him, the operation took place on Wednesday night around Abule Osun in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. The smugglers abandoned the illegal consignment upon sighting naval operatives and fled the scene.
“NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, seized 489kg of smuggled cannabis sativa around Abule Osun, Amuwo Odofin. The perpetrators abandoned the illegal items and are currently on the run, but we are tracking them,” Adams-Aliu said.
He assured that the Navy has identified the suspects’ likely location and that arrests would soon follow.
Strengthening Maritime Security in Lagos
Commodore Adams-Aliu, who recently assumed command of NNS BEECROFT, emphasized his commitment to repositioning the naval ship to fully secure Lagos waterways and surrounding maritime areas.
He noted that his operational drive aligns with the strategic vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, who advocates for a mobile, agile, and professional Navy capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“Crimes that originate on land and extend to the sea always return to land. We will deal decisively with perpetrators who continue their illegal activities,” he stated.
The commander also warned that some smugglers operate from neighboring countries and attempt to exploit Nigeria’s waterways, but assured that their routes are well known to naval authorities.
NDLEA Commends Navy’s Anti-Drug Operations
Receiving the seized drugs, the Deputy Controller of Narcotics, Festac Town Command, Gbenga Adejumo, described the Nigerian Navy as the NDLEA’s strongest partner in combating drug abuse and trafficking.
Adejumo expressed appreciation for the Navy’s continued collaboration and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prosecuting drug traffickers and sponsors.
He explained that seized drugs handed over to the NDLEA are destroyed by burning after obtaining a court injunction.
“We conduct the burning far from residential areas to prevent health risks. While the agency is working towards a safer alternative, this remains the approved method for destroying seized drugs,” Adejumo said.
Collaboration Between Security Agencies
The successful interception and handover of 489kg of cannabis highlight the growing synergy between Nigeria’s security agencies. The Nigerian Navy and NDLEA continue to intensify efforts to dismantle drug syndicates, curb cannabis trafficking, and secure Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.
Key Highlights:
- 489kg of cannabis sativa seized in Lagos
- Operation conducted by NNS BEECROFT
- Drug syndicate members currently on the run
- Narcotics handed over to NDLEA
- Strong inter-agency collaboration in anti-drug operations
As authorities intensify surveillance across Lagos waterways, this latest seizure underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maritime security and the NDLEA’s ongoing war against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
