Navy Recovers, Hands over 13 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa, One Suspect to NDLEA

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

In two separate operations, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry has recovered 13 sacks of cannabis sativa worth N5,500,000.

The seized products and one suspect were recently handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. 

During the handing over, the Commanding Officer, FOB Badagry, Captain Adams Aliu, said: “On August 24, 2023, at about 10.00.p.m, the Base Quick Response Team acting on intelligent report raided some hideout at Ashipa, in Seme border.

“We discovered a particular building where cannabis sativa is being brought in from Benin Republic and then distributed. One suspect was arrested with four sacks of cannabis sativa.”

Also on August 27, the team raided Akoro Beach near Seme Border and recovered nine sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N5million. 

He said on sighting the naval operatives, the suspects fled, leaving behind the Cannabis sativa hard drugs that were smuggled into the country from Benin Republic.

After handing over the seized hard drugs to Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Alli Gambo, Badagry Marine, the CO FOB Badagry said this was in compliance with the Nigerian Navy Trinity of action- surveillance, response initiatives and law enforcement.

He said: “Our response initiative is what led to this arrest, why we are here today, which means we are in third phase of action. This is handing over of the suspect and the arrested items to NDLEA for them to take over the case.

“This is in lind with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s  Strategic Directive No.6 of 2023, paragraph 9, which 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 element thinking that Nigeria waters can be for criminal activities.”

After receiving the seized hard drugs,  Ali Gambo assured that proper investigation would be conducted by the agency to reveal the real owner, adding that the outcome would determine the effect of the exhibit.

Admitting to his offence, the suspect, 

Mr Wasiu Taofeek, said he ventured in carrying hard drugs when his house got burnt and he had no other means to feed his family.

He however appealed that he would not go back to the hard drugs business if forgiven.