The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspected drug traffickers and intercepted 71 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis concealed in a wooden boat along the River Niger in Kogi State.
The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspected drug traffickers and intercepted 71 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be cannabis during a riverine patrol along the River Niger in Kogi State.
The suspects were arrested on September 8 by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Lugard, following credible intelligence on the movement of an alleged illicit drug consignment.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said the suspected cannabis was concealed in the rear compartment of a large wooden commercial boat intercepted near Chintako Community Jetty in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation was reportedly carried out under Operation Accord 3, with the naval patrol team intercepting the boat at about 4:30 p.m. before escorting it to the NNS Lugard jetty.
Folorunsho said the three suspects and the recovered consignment were subsequently handed over to the Kogi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on September 9 for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The NDLEA said its investigation would focus on establishing the source and ownership of the suspected cannabis and identifying other persons allegedly connected to its supply and movement.
The Kogi State Commander of the NDLEA, Umar Yahuza, represented by Commander of Narcotics Tuki Andeshak, said the agency would conduct a thorough investigation and work to trace the supplier and other persons linked to the consignment.
The Nigerian Navy said the interception highlighted the importance of intelligence-led maritime operations and inter-agency collaboration in disrupting the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The Navy also urged riverine communities, boat operators and other users of the waterways to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
The suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, while the NDLEA continues its investigation into the alleged drug trafficking operation.
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