The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Badagry, on Tuesday, transferred custody of one suspect along with 13 sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N5,500,000 to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the same locality.
Navy Captain Adams Aliu, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Badagry, provided details regarding the arrest. He indicated that the items were apprehended on August 24 and 27 at separate locations within the Badagry area.
“On Aug.24, at about 10.00.p.m, the Base quick response team acting on intelligent report raided some hideout at Ashipa, in Seme border.
“We discovered a particular building where cannabis sativa is being brought in from Benin Republic and then distributed.
“One suspect was arrested with four sacks of cannabis sativa,” he said.
Adams-Aliu stated that on Aug.27, the team apprehended 9 sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N5m.
“Another different raid on Aug.27 at about 2.30.p.m., the team seized another 9 sacks of cannabis sativa at a place called Akoro beach near Seme border.
“On sighting us, they fled but we were able to recover the cannabis sativa. The hard drugs were smuggled into the country from Benin Republic.
“No suspect was arrested because they ran away,” he said.
He mentioned that the combined value of the confiscated items was N5,500,000.
Addressing the gathering as he handed over the responsibility to Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Alli Gambo, stationed at Badagry Marine, Adams-Aliu stated that this action was in accordance with the Nigerian Navy’s three-fold approach.
The commanding officer further explained that this approach encompasses surveillance, responsive initiatives, and law enforcement.
“Our response initiative is what led to this arrest, why we are here today, which means we are in third phase of action.
“This is handing over of the suspect and the arrested items to NDLEA for them to take over the case.
“The Commanding Officer recalled that after the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla was appointed in June, 2023, he came out with his strategic directive.
“CNS strategic directive no.6 of 2023, paragraph 9, states clearly that the strategic end-state of Nigeria Navy operations is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.
“It is not possible that criminals will have safe passage within Nigeria waters. This is a warning to all criminal element thinking that Nigeria waters can be for criminal activities,” he said.
Upon receiving the exhibit, Ali Gambo provided assurance that the Agency would thoroughly investigate the matter to uncover the true owner of the items. He emphasized that the results of the investigation would ascertain the impact of the exhibit.
The suspect, Mr. Wasiu Taofeek, explained that he turned to trafficking hard drugs after his house was consumed by fire and he found himself unable to provide for his family.
He made an earnest appeal, expressing his commitment to abandoning the drug trade if granted forgiveness.
Taofeek explicitly claimed ownership of the cannabis sativa.