Dec. 12, 2023

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on Tuesday, handed over seized 125 bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing about 5,000kg to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Commander of the ship, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, said at the handing over ceremony that the substance was intercepted in a large wooden boat on Dec. 7, off Lagos anchorage.

Oguntuga said that NNS BEECROFT patrol team seized the substance and apprehended two suspects accompanying it.

“The consignment was coming from Republic of Benin, but our men were able to intercept the boat and stop it from entering Lagos market.

“The suspects and the bags of cannabis are being handed over to the NDLEA for necessary actions.

“I recall that on Nov. 29, over 182 bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing about 8,000kg were handed over to the NDLEA, and now, we are handing over 125 bags,” he said.

The commander said that the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, would sustain partnerships with relevant security agencies in the fight against criminality.

“We understand the relationship between drug abuse, crime, violence and criminality; so, what we are doing is to make sure that these drugs don’t enter our society. By so doing, we will uphold national security.

“The Nigerian Navy will continue to go after perpetrators of this crime and ensure that they are brought to book, no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.

Oguntuga said that the Nigerian Navy activated Operation Waterguard with air assets, surface vessels, such as electrooptical devices, among other equipment.

“With all this being deployed, I am optimistic that the navy will not leave any stone unturned.

“This period is a period where a lot of criminal activities are expected, but security agencies and the Nigerian Navy in particular, are on top of their games,” he said.

Oguntuga assured the public that maritime security during Christmas would be strong.

“We have many vessels out there protecting the waterways to make sure that the maritime environmental is conducive for legitimate businesses to thrive.

“I assure you that you will go about your normal duties without any fear of being molested or fear of being harassed because our men are out there and they are motivated.

“We will continue to liaise with other agencies to make sure that this Yuletide period is a befitting one,” the commander said. (NAN)