Navy arrests 27 drug peddlers in Lagos raid, hands over to NDLEA

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has arrested and handed over 27 suspected drug peddlerrs alongside illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA).

This followed a raid conducted by operatives of the Navy ship at a criminal hideout in Gidan Drama, located along Malu Road, Apapa.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos on Wednesday, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Paul Nimmyel, said the raid which took place on Saturday, April 5, 2025 was carried out by personnel following credible intelligence received by the Base about the presence of suspected drug peddlers in Gidan Drama.

This, he said, necessitated the deployment of Operation MESA.

Represented by the Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, Nimmyel said 27 suspects comprising 24 males and 3 females were arrested with hard drugs and other illicit substances during the raid.

“I am here to hand over 27 suspects to NDLEA. Our base, the Nigerian Navy, on 5th of April conducted a raid on a known criminal hideout at Gidan Drama located on Malu Road, Apapa. It was based on credible information that we received about suspected drug peddlers in that area, which neccesitated the deployment of our Operation’s MESA team and we conducted a raid.

“During the raid, a total of 27 suspected drug peddlers comprising three females and 24 males were arrested with hard drugs and other illicit substances.

“The successful conduct of this operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to curtailing the spread of illicit drugs among our youth, which adversely affects their health and threaten our national security, ” Nimmyel said.

The State Commander of the Lagos Strategic Command, NDLEA, Abubakar Wale represented by Assistant Commander, Narcotic, Steven Ogunsua, emphasized that the handover of the suspects underscored the strong synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the NDLEA.

“The exchange of suspects and exhibits seized during the raid shows the cooperation and synergy we have with the Nigerian Navy in reducing the availability of such substances in our society.

“These drugs affect the central nervous system, they are psychoactive, and depressant in nature. Once taken, they alter the system significantly. Some of these substances were once sold in pharmacies, but due to their abuse, they are now listed as controlled substances.

“Unfortunately, they were being sold to our youth and community members, which has caused significant harm. We sincerely appreciate the active efforts of the Nigerian Navy.

” We look forward to having more of these arrests so that we can prosecute those that are responsible for this act, ” he said.