The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry has successfully intercepted a smuggling syndicate, confiscating 27 bags of illegal products suspected to be Cannabis sativa.
During an official handing over ceremony of the seized exhibits to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Special Area Command, Navy Captain Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Commanding Officer of Nigerian Navy FOB Badagry, revealed that the illegal products, estimated to be worth N35 million, were recovered based on intelligence received.
According to Adams-Aliu, the intelligence received on Friday, September 2023, at approximately 19:00a.m., indicated suspicious smuggling activities in the area. The information stated that a boat was observed unloading products suspected to be Cannabis sativa at Pako Beach, near Ajido, in the vicinity of FOB Badagry’s Area of Operations.
As a result, the Base Quick Response Team, led by the Base Operations Officer and the Base Intelligence Officer, swiftly proceeded to the scene to investigate and make possible arrests. However, upon the team’s arrival, the smugglers abandoned the narcotics and fled.
Adams-Aliu further shared that subsequent raids on adjacent communities failed to yield any additional illegal products or suspects. Ongoing investigations, in collaboration with other security agencies, aim to identify the drug trafficking syndicate and apprehend them for prosecution.
During the handover of the illegal products, Commander of Narcotics and the Area Commander of Seme Area Command, Dinneys Fingere Owen, expressed gratitude to Adams-Aliu for his efforts in intercepting the contraband. Furthermore, Owen emphasized that investigations would commence immediately to apprehend the culprits and ensure they face justice.
Owen reaffirmed the commitment of the NDLEA to collaborate with other sister agencies in efforts that extend beyond enforcement, such as intensifying public awareness campaigns against drug abuse. He highlighted the War Against Drugs Abuse (WADA) initiative introduced by the NDLEA, which promotes collaboration with various organizations and institutions to spread the anti-drug message.
