The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has intercepted a major smuggling operation in Lagos waters, confiscating 756kg of cannabis sativa worth ₦168 million along with illegal equipment. During the operation, security operatives arrested multiple suspects involved in the illicit trade, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to tackling maritime crimes.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Commodore Nimmyel detailed the Navy’s recent operations that led to multiple arrests and the confiscation of illegal goods. According to him, operations conducted between February 10 and 11, 2025, resulted in the interception of a large wooden boat attempting to flee towards Benin Republic.
The vessel, detected by the Western Regional Control Centre of Falcon Eye Alignment, was carrying seven suspects along with 408 empty drums, three pumping machines, and eight Yamaha 40HP outboard engines.
Additionally, the Base Quick Response Team (QRT), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended two suspects in the Topo, Badagry area while they were allegedly assisting smugglers. Their boat, which carried a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, was seized, and intercepted communications confirmed their involvement in illicit activities. Furthermore, on February 11, 2025, 28 bags of cannabis sativa weighing over 756kg were discovered at Long Jetty, Ibeche Beach. The culprits fled upon sighting the QRT, leaving behind the contraband.
Commodore Nimmyel reiterated the Navy’s commitment to enforcing the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, in collaboration with other security agencies. He warned criminals engaged in illegal oil bunkering and drug trafficking to desist, as the Navy remains resolute in maintaining maritime security.
Dosa, one of the arrested suspects, claimed he was only transporting empty drums. “I went to buy the empty drums to take them to Badagry,” he said. When asked about the pumping machines found in the boat, he insisted, “I use them to pump water out of my boat, not for illegal activities.” However, his colleagues reportedly confessed to using the machines for pumping oil, a claim he denied.
On his part, Superintendent Amoo Kehinde, representing the Lagos State Commandant, Commandant Keshinro Adedokun, confirmed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had taken custody of the suspects and exhibits. “Immediately after the handover, the exhibits will be taken to our Exhibit Yard at Ijora Jetty Marine, while the suspects will be transported to our state headquarters in Alausa for investigation and prosecution,” he stated.
The Acting Marine Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) disclosed that the seized 28 bags of cannabis sativa would be transferred to the agency’s Central Exhibit Store for safekeeping before destruction. “We will investigate further and arraign the suspects in court for prosecution,” he assured. The NDLEA estimated the market value of the seized cannabis to be around ₦6 million per bag.
The Nigerian Navy emphasized that its operations would continue with intensified efforts to ensure that economic activities in Lagos waters remain secure and uninterrupted. “Our role is to protect the maritime sector, and criminals should be aware that we will not relent in our pursuit to rid the waters of illicit activities,” Commodore Nimmyel concluded.