The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over 18 bags of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 756 kilograms to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), reinforcing ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
The seizure was formally transferred to the NDLEA Marine Command during a ceremony held at NNS BEECROFT in Apapa, Lagos, on Friday.
Addressing defence correspondents, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, described the handover as another significant milestone in the Navy’s sustained campaign against maritime crimes.
He disclosed that the illicit consignments were recovered during separate intelligence-led operations conducted within the command’s operational area over the past few months.
According to him, five bags of suspected cannabis sativa were intercepted at Abule Osun on April 7, 2026.
He added that another two bags were recovered at Ikare Island on April 13, while 11 bags were seized at Alpha Beach on July 15, bringing the total recovery to 18 bags weighing approximately 756 kilograms.
Adams-Aliu attributed the successful operations to the Nigerian Navy Western Regional Control Centre, popularly known as Falcon Eye, an advanced maritime surveillance system that provides extensive monitoring across Nigeria’s coastal waters.
He explained that the integrated surveillance platform combines long-range cameras, sensors and other sophisticated technologies capable of tracking activities even in areas beyond the physical reach of naval patrol boats.
The commander said the system provides real-time intelligence that enables swift deployment of operational teams to intercept criminal elements before they can execute illegal activities.
He noted that the latest recoveries underscore the vigilance, professionalism and operational readiness of personnel of NNS BEECROFT in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Adams-Aliu said the achievements further validate the technological transformation championed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, whose vision prioritises intelligence gathering and advanced surveillance capabilities.
According to him, technology remains a critical force multiplier in denying criminal syndicates freedom of operation across Nigeria’s territorial waters.
He reaffirmed that NNS BEECROFT, under the Western Naval Command led by Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, will sustain intelligence-driven operations against drug traffickers and other maritime criminals.
The commander also pledged deeper collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly the NDLEA, to strengthen coordinated enforcement efforts.
He stressed that inter-agency cooperation remains vital in preventing Nigeria’s waterways and coastal communities from being exploited as transit routes for illicit drugs.
Adams-Aliu said the Navy remains committed to the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff to deploy a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.
He added that the Navy would continue contributing effectively to joint operations aimed at protecting national sovereignty and enhancing internal security.
The formal transfer of the seized exhibits to the NDLEA marks the beginning of further forensic examination and investigation into the suspected drug trafficking network behind the consignments.
Receiving the exhibits on behalf of the Commander, NDLEA Marine Command, Commander Narcotic Luka Yerima commended the Nigerian Navy for its unwavering partnership in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
Yerima, who represented the Marine Commander, Commander Narcotic Morrison Emmanuel Udo, said the NDLEA highly values the strong operational relationship with NNS BEECROFT.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration between both agencies would continue to yield significant results, noting that the NDLEA remains fully committed to working closely with all security agencies to combat organised crime and protect Nigeria from the dangers of illicit drugs.
The successful handover highlights the growing impact of intelligence-led maritime operations and reinforces the resolve of the Nigerian Navy and the NDLEA to deny criminal networks any safe haven within Nigeria’s coastal and maritime domain.