Navy nabs 3 with suspected cannabis in Kogi

In Kogi State, the Nigerian Navy apprehended three individuals with 71 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis along the River Niger. The operation was part of Operation Accord 3 and was carried out by the personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard. Commander Christian Ottah, the Acting Executive Officer of NNS Lugard, revealed this during the handover of the suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lokoja.

Ottah, accompanied by Commander Adesola Ojo, stated that the boat carrying the suspects was intercepted on September 8 following reliable intelligence. The naval patrol team intercepted the vessel at approximately 4:30 p.m., escorted it to the NNS Lugard jetty, and subsequently took the suspects and recovered exhibits to the base for further actions.

Ottah emphasized the significance of timely intelligence and cooperation among agencies in combating drug trafficking and other maritime crimes. He appealed to riverine communities, boat operators, and other waterway users to report suspicious activities to security agencies promptly. Ottah also highlighted that NNS Lugard would continue to work closely with the NDLEA and other security agencies to enhance surveillance, information sharing, and response to security threats.

The Kogi State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Umar Yahuza, confirmed that the agency would conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the origin of the suspected illicit drug. Yahuza assured that the agency would strive to identify the consignment's owner, trace the supplier, and apprehend those responsible. The event concluded with the official transfer of the three suspects and the recovered 71kg of suspected cannabis to the NDLEA for further investigation and legal proceedings.