Navy Arrests Suspect, Seizes Bags Of Cannabis

A suspect has been apprehended by Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry. Additionally, they have confiscated 13 bags of Cannabis Sativa valued at approximately N5.5 million.

Commanding Officer, Captain Adams Aliu told The Nation yesterday that the suspect and illicit substance were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led by Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Alli Gambo, Badagry Marine on Tuesday.

He explained that his men seized the banned substances on August 24 and 27 during raids of different locations in Badagry.

Aliu said: “On August 24, at about 10pm, the FOB’s quick response team acting on an intelligence report raided some hideouts at Ashipa, on the Seme Border.

“We discovered a particular building where cannabis sativa is being brought in from the Benin Republic and then distributed.

“One suspect was arrested with four sacks of cannabis sativa.

“Another raid was conducted on August 27 at about 2:30pm, where the team seized 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.”

He said the seizures were in line with the Navy’s trinity action- surveillance, response initiatives and law enforcement.

“Our response initiative is what led to this arrest. This means we are in the third phase of action. We are handing over the suspect and items to the NDLEA to take over the case.”

Quoting the Chief of the Naval Staff’s (CNS’) strategic directive, Aliu said the goal of every naval operation was to ensure a safer and secure maritime environment.

“It is not possible that criminals will have safe passage within Nigerian waters. This is a warning to all criminal elements thinking that the country’s waters can be for criminality,” he added.

Receiving the exhibit, Gambo assured that a proper investigation would be conducted by the NDLEA to reveal the owner(s) of the items

The suspect, Wasiu Taofeek, said he started smuggling drugs when he lost all he had in a fire outbreak at his home and couldn’t fend for his family anymore.