In a significant operation, the Nigerian Navy achieved a major breakthrough on Friday by intercepting 127 bags of cannabis sativa valued at N254 million, along with numerous jerry cans and drums of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The operation unfolded at Eleko Beach, Lekki, and the vicinity of Liverpool, Apapa, Lagos State, showcasing the Navy’s commitment to curbing illicit activities in the maritime domain.
The successful interceptions were made possible through the deployment of the State-of-the-Art Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, known as the Falcon Eye Alignment, according to a press statement by Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT.
The initial phase of the operation saw the NNS patrol team confiscating 113 bags of Cannabis Sativa at Eleko Beach. Subsequently, the team extended its search along the Badagry route, leading to the arrest of an additional 14 bags. The criminals, upon detecting the naval presence, abandoned both the narcotics and the boat before fleeing the scene.
Commodore Oguntuga commended the swift response of the team, stating, “Acting on credible intelligence, the team swiftly responded, leading to the confiscation of 113 bags of Cannabis Sativa at the beach. This commendable effort further extended along the Badagry route, resulting in the arrest of an additional 14 bags.”
In a parallel development, the naval team intercepted a boat laden with petroleum products suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The illicit cargo was stored in numerous drums and jerrycans. Similar to the cannabis interception, the criminals abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting the naval team. The Quick Response Team secured the boat, petroleum products, and related equipment.
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Commodore Oguntuga highlighted the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to combating illicit activities, emphasizing the dedication under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of the Naval Staff. He stated, “These successful arrests underscore the Nigerian Navy’s dedication under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to combatting illicit drug trafficking, preserving the well-being and protection of the nation’s resources.”
The seized items, including the cannabis and petroleum products, were safely transported back to the naval base for further investigation. The Nigerian Navy intends to hand over all confiscated contraband items, totaling 127 bags, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for necessary action.
This operation not only reflects the Navy’s vigilance in safeguarding national security but also sends a strong message against the illicit drug trade and unauthorized transportation of petroleum products. The collaborative effort between intelligence gathering and swift response demonstrates the effectiveness of the Navy in tackling criminal activities in the maritime domain, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for the residents of Lagos and beyond.
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