The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry has successfully intercepted a drug smuggling syndicate, seizing 27 bags of illegal products suspected to be Cannabis sativa. Navy Captain Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy FOB Badagry, made the announcement during an official handover ceremony of the confiscated narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Seme Special Area Command.
The illegal products, valued at approximately N35 million, were recovered following a well-coordinated operation based on credible intelligence. Captain Adams-Aliu provided details of the operation, stating, “On Friday, September 2023, at about 19:00 a.m., the Nigerian Navy FOB Badagry received intelligence regarding suspected smuggling activities. The information indicated that a boat was spotted offloading products suspected to be Cannabis sativa at Pako Beach, near Ajido, along the FOB Badagry Area of Operations.”
In response to the tip-off, the Base Quick Response Team, led by the Base Operations Officer and the Base Intelligence Officer, swiftly proceeded to the scene for investigation and a potential arrest. However, upon the team’s arrival, the smugglers abandoned the narcotics and fled the area.
Captain Adams-Aliu added that although adjoining communities were thoroughly searched, no additional illegal products or suspects were found. Nevertheless, ongoing investigations are being conducted in collaboration with other security agencies to identify the drug trafficking syndicate, apprehend its members, and prosecute them accordingly.
Upon receiving the confiscated narcotics, Commander of Narcotics and Area Commander of the Seme Area Command, Dinneys Fingere Owen, expressed gratitude to Captain Adams-Aliu for the Navy’s determined efforts to intercept the illegal products. Owen emphasized that the NDLEA would commence an in-depth investigation aimed at apprehending and bringing the culprits to justice.
Furthermore, Owen underscored the NDLEA’s commitment to collaborating with sister agencies to not only enforce drug-related laws but also intensify awareness campaigns against drug abuse. He mentioned the “War Against Drugs Abuse (WADA)” initiative, which entails partnerships with various organizations and institutions to promote the anti-drug message.
The successful interception of this smuggling attempt and the seizure of the substantial quantity of Cannabis sativa signify a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the Badagry region. The Nigerian Navy and NDLEA remain vigilant and committed to addressing this pressing issue to safeguard the community and the nation at large.
