On Friday, the Nigerian Navy intercepted narcotics and petroleum products in separate operations. The seizures included 127 bags of cannabis sativa valued at N254 million and numerous drums and jerry cans of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). The operations took place at Eleko Beach, Lekki, and in the Liverpool vicinity, Apapa, Lagos State.
According to Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, the interceptions were facilitated by intelligence gathered from the Falcon Eye Alignment, a State-of-the-Art Maritime Domain Awareness Facility.
The Navy patrol team initially confiscated 113 bags of cannabis sativa at Eleko Beach. They extended their search along the Badagry route, leading to the arrest of an additional 14 bags. The criminals, upon encountering the Navy team, abandoned the narcotics and boat and fled.
Regarding the interception of petroleum products, Oguntuga stated that the boat was laden with suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in numerous drums and jerry cans. The criminals abandoned the scene upon spotting the Navy team, who secured the boat and its illicit cargoes.
The Navy transported the seized petroleum products and related items back to their base for further investigation. Oguntuga emphasized the commitment of the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to combatting illicit drug trafficking and safeguarding the nation’s resources. All seized items, including the cannabis and petroleum products, will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for proper investigation.
