PeakNews Online
Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT intercepted 72 bags of cannabis sativa in the Elegushi area of Lekki, Lagos State, on June 5. Each bag weighed approximately 40 kilograms.
Commodore Rafiu Oladejo, Commander of NNS BEECROFT, announced the successful interception in a statement signed by the base information officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, on Tuesday. This operation was part of the Navy’s ongoing Operation Water Guard.
The interception was carried out by the NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team in collaboration with Deep Blue Assets of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Commodore Oladejo credited the success to the base’s persistent efforts in gathering actionable intelligence and maintaining a presence in Lagos waterways under the tenets of Operation Water Guard.
“This interception underscores the unwavering commitment of NNS BEECROFT to curtailing the spread and use of illicit drugs among the youth, which negatively affect their health and threaten national security,” Oladejo stated. He also warned perpetrators of illicit drug activities to desist, emphasizing that NNS BEECROFT will continue to pursue criminal elements within its operational area.
Oladejo noted that the effort aligns with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, who has called for a credible presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to eliminate maritime crime and criminality.
The intercepted cannabis sativa has been handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command for further investigation.
