Navy hands over N5.5m worth of cannabis sativa, suspect to NDLEA
The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Badagry has recently turned over 13 sacks of cannabis sativa, valued at N5.5 million, along with one suspect, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Badagry.
The seizure took place on August 24th and 27th at various locations. Navy Capt. Adams-Aliu, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base, Badagry, made the announcement.
“On Aug. 24, at about 10.00.p.m, the Base quick response team, acting on intelligence report, raided some hideouts at Ashipa, at Seme border.
“We discovered a particular building where cannabis sativa was being brought in from Benin Republic and then distributed.
“One suspect was arrested with four sacks of cannabis sativa,” he said.
Adams-Aliu stated that on Aug. 27, the team seized nine sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N5m.
“During another raid on Aug.27, at about 2.30 p.m., the team seized another nine sacks of cannabis sativa at a place called Akoro beach, near Seme border.
“On sighting us, they fled, but we were able to recover the cannabis sativa. The hard drugs were smuggled into the country from Benin Republic.
“No suspect was arrested because they ran away,” he said.
He said that the total value of items seized was N5.5 million.
Adams-Aliu, handing over to the items and suspect to Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Alli Gambo, of Badagry Marine, said this was in compliance with the Nigerian Navy Trinity of action.
According to the commanding officer, this includes surveillance, response initiatives and law enforcement.
“Our response initiative is what led to this arrest, why we are here today, which means we are in the third phase of action.
“This is a hand over of the suspect and the items to NDLEA for them to take over the case.”
The Commanding Officer recalled that after the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. E. I. Ogala was appointed in June 2023, he came out with his strategic directive.
“CNS strategic directive No. 6 of 2023, Paragraph 9, states clearly that the strategic end-state of Nigeria Navy operations is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.
“It is not possible that criminals will have safe passage within Nigeria waters. This is a warning to all criminal elements thinking that Nigeria waters can be for criminal activities,” he said.
Ali Gambo, an official from an investigative agency, has confirmed that a thorough investigation will be carried out to determine the true owner of some exhibits received by the navy.
The outcome of this investigation will have a significant impact on the exhibits in question. In the meantime, a suspect involved in the case has revealed that he turned to the drug trade after his house was destroyed in a fire, leaving him with no means to support his family.
He has pleaded for forgiveness and promised to abandon his involvement in the drug business if given a second chance.
The statement did not provide any additional information regarding the nature of the complaint or the reasons behind the suspect’s arrest.
