The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard has intercepted a wooden boat conveying 71 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis along the River Niger in Kogi State, arresting three persons in connection with the consignment.
Cdr. Christian Ottah, Acting Executive Officer of NNS Lugard, disclosed this on Wednesday while formally handing over the suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lokoja. Ottah was represented at the handover by the Commander of NNS Lugard, Cdr. Adesola Ojo.
According to Ottah, the boat was intercepted on September 8 following credible intelligence, as part of an operation carried out by the NNS Lugard maritime component under Operation Accord 3. He said the naval patrol team intercepted the vessel at about 4:30 p.m. and escorted it to the NNS Lugard jetty, where the suspects and the recovered exhibits were handed over to the base for further action.
Three persons were arrested during the operation.
Ottah described the interception as evidence of the value of timely intelligence and inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other maritime crimes.
The commander said NNS Lugard would continue working with the NDLEA and other security agencies to strengthen surveillance, information sharing and response to security threats along the waterways.
He appealed to riverine communities, boat operators and other waterway users to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Ottah further assured that the Navy remained committed to safeguarding lives and property, protecting critical national infrastructure, and supporting a peaceful environment ahead of the 2027 general elections. He noted, however, that the suspects remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Responding on behalf of the NDLEA, the Kogi State Commander of the agency, Mr. Umar Yahuza — represented by the Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Tuki Andeshak — said the agency would carry out a thorough investigation to determine the source of the suspected illicit drug.
Yahuza said the NDLEA would work to identify the owner of the consignment and to trace and apprehend the supplier.
The highlight of the briefing was the official handover of the three suspects and the recovered 71 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis to the NDLEA for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
