Badagry, Lagos State – Sept. 12, 2024 – The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry, Lagos, has handed over several sacks of cannabis sativa to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The seizure was made by the base’s patrol team and transferred to the NDLEA on Thursday.
Lt. Commander Bitrus Zoaka, Operations Officer of the base, represented the Commanding Officer, Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri, during the handover ceremony. Zoaka revealed that the suspected drugs were intercepted on Tuesday, August 13, following a tip-off.
“At about 11:33 a.m. on August 13, our personnel received credible intelligence about a storage facility containing illegal drugs suspected to be cannabis sativa,” Zoaka said.
The drugs were discovered in a location called Tenshop, near a mosque opposite Iyafin community in Badagry. Acting on this information, a Quick Response Team from the base, led by Zoaka, conducted a covert operation in the area.
“An intensive search of the area uncovered several sacks containing what appeared to be cannabis sativa. Nearby communities were also searched, but no other illegal substances or suspects were found,” Zoaka added.
He explained that the transfer of the seized drugs to the NDLEA was in accordance with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016 guidelines.
Zoaka also referred to ongoing operations initiated by the Western Naval Command aimed at curbing smuggling and ensuring security in the region. “These efforts align with the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6 to ensure a safe maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea for economic activities to thrive,” he said.
Receiving the confiscated items, Mr. Ogbogoh Emmanuel, Assistant Commander Narcotics of the NDLEA’s Seme Special Command, expressed gratitude for the Navy’s efforts. He assured that an investigation into the seizure would begin promptly and pledged that those responsible would face justice.
 in Badagry, Lagos, has handed over several sacks of cannabis sativa to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).){kind=link}