The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard has intercepted a wooden boat carrying 71 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis along the River Niger in Kogi State and arrested three suspects. The suspects and recovered consignment were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lokoja on Wednesday, September 9.
The Acting Executive Officer of NNS Lugard, Cdr. Christian Ottah, said the boat was intercepted at about 4:30 p.m. on September 8 following credible intelligence. He said the operation demonstrated the importance of timely information and collaboration among security agencies in tackling drug trafficking and other maritime crimes.
Ottah said the Navy would continue to work with the NDLEA and other agencies to strengthen surveillance and information sharing along the waterways. He urged riverine communities, boat operators and other waterway users to report suspicious activities promptly.
The Kogi NDLEA Commander, Umar Yahuza, said the agency would investigate the source and ownership of the suspected cannabis and work to identify those behind the consignment. The suspects remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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