The Nigerian Navy has intensified its fight against maritime crimes, handing over three suspected drug traffickers to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Akwa Ibom.
The suspects were arrested on Monday, November 25, 2024, by the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka during a routine patrol in the Bendero and Uta Uyata areas.
The operation uncovered a boat loaded with illicit items, including 125 sacks of crystalline ammonia, a chemical commonly used in drug production, and 62 cartons of contraband drugs smuggled from Cameroon.
Navy Captain Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, disclosed that the contraband included 820 tubes of Pethidine, an opioid, and 24,800 bottles of Codeine syrup.
The Navy transferred custody of the suspects and the seized items on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to: NDLEA, to investigate and prosecute the drug-related offenses, NCS, to address the smuggling of industrial chemicals.
Captain Aneke stressed that the arrests were conducted under Nigeria’s Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure for maritime law enforcement.
He reiterated the Navy’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal activities under the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
“This successful operation showcases our advanced surveillance and intelligence systems, ensuring no criminal activity goes undetected in Nigerian waters.
We are committed to protecting our maritime environment and upholding the rule of law,” Aneke said.
The arrest is a significant step in curbing the influx of illegal drugs and chemicals into the country, demonstrating the Navy’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s coastal integrity.
This development highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in tackling drug trafficking and other maritime crimes, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining law and order across Nigeria’s waterways.