The Nigerian Navy has successfully apprehended three individuals and confiscated 71 kilogrammes of substances strongly suspected to be cannabis along the River Niger in Kogi State.
Personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard conducted the arrests during an operation carried out under the framework of Operation Accord 3.
Commander Christian Ottah, the Acting Executive Officer of NNS Lugard, made this announcement during the official handover of the suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lokoja. Commander Ottah, whose statement was represented by Commander Adesola Ojo of NNS Lugard, confirmed that the boat transporting the suspects was intercepted on 8 September following actionable intelligence.
He elaborated that the naval patrol team intercepted the vessel at approximately 4:30 p.m. and subsequently escorted it to the NNS Lugard jetty, where both the suspects and the recovered exhibits were brought to the base for further proceedings.
Commander Ottah emphasised that "the operation demonstrated the importance of timely intelligence and inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other maritime crimes." He also urged communities residing along riverine areas, boat operators, and other users of waterways to promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies for appropriate action.
The commander underscored that NNS Lugard would maintain its collaboration with the NDLEA and other security organisations to enhance surveillance, facilitate information sharing, and improve responses to security threats.
In response, Mr. Umar Yahuza, the Kogi State Commander of the NDLEA, represented by the Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Tuki Andeshak, assured that the agency would conduct a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the origin of the suspected illicit drug. He affirmed the agency's commitment to identifying the owner of the consignment, tracing the supplier, and apprehending all individuals responsible for the illicit trade.
The briefing concluded with the official transfer of the three suspects and the recovered 71kg of suspected cannabis to the NDLEA, marking the continuation of the investigation and the initiation of legal proceedings.