The Nigerian Navy Ship ( NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted 28 bags of cannabis sativa weighing over 756kg around Long Jetty, Ibeche Beach.
Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday said the illicit drugs were intercepted in the early hours of Tuesday, February 12th.
In a seperate operation, Commodore Nimmyel said operatives of the Base also intercepted a large wooden boat containing 408 empty drums, 3 pumping machines and 8 Yamaha 40HP outboard engines with seven suspects in board while fleeing towards Benin Republic.
According to him, the arrest was made after the Western Regional Control Centre of Falcon Eye Alignment successfully vectored NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team (QRT) stationed at TARKWA BAY on suspicious movement of the large wooden boat around Lagos anchorage.
He said, “This press briefing is to inform the general public on some of the recent successes of our maritime security operations which is in accordance with the CNS Strategic Directives 2023 –2026.
“The base between 10 – 11 February 2025 conducted several operations upon my resumption in the office leading to notable arrest and seizures which have reinforced security in Lagos and environs.
“On Sunday, 10 February 2025, the Western Regional Control Centre of Falcon Eye Alignment successfully vectored NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team (QRT) stationed at TARKWA BAY on suspicious movement of a large wooden boat around Lagos anchorage.
“The team swung into action and intercepted a large wooden boat while it fled towards Benin Republic after a possible tip off. The boat had 7 suspects onboard and contains 408 empty drums, 3 pumping machines and 8 Yamaha 40HP outboard engines. It is gratifying to note that this action has prevented a significant economic loss.
“Additionally, on Sunday, 10 February 2025, the Base QRT acting on credible intelligence on some boats used in smuggling of cannabis sativa arrested 2 suspects around Topo, Badagry axis, while on transit to assist suspected smugglers’ boat at sea.
“The suspects were arrested in a boat conveying 40HP Yamaha outboard engine and intercepted telephone conversation confirmed that the suspects had been contacted to supply the engine.
“Relatedly, in the early hours of Tuesday 11 February 2025, the Base interrcept 28 bags of cannabis sativa weighing over 756kg around Long Jetty, Ibeche Beach.
No arrest of suspects was made as the culprits fled upon sighting the QRT. ”
Commodore Nimmyel said all the arrested suspects and confiscated items have been handed over to National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in accordance with Nigerian Navy Standard Operating Procedure for further investigation and possible prosecution.
According to him, “The success of these operations underscores the unwavering commitment of NNS BEECROFT to enforce the mandate of Chief of the naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Admiralty Medal, to rid the maritime environment of all forms of crimes and criminality either singly or in collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies.”
He warned perpetrators of illegal oil bunkering and illicit drugs to desist from such acts as NNS BEECROFT will not rest on its oars to pursuing all criminal elements operating within its area of operation.
