Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have intercepted about 500 kilograms of suspected cannabis during a patrol operation in Lagos State.
The seizure was carried out by personnel attached to NNS Beecroft, the naval base responsible for securing parts of Lagos waterways and surrounding coastal areas.
The suspected drugs were discovered on Thursday around the Abule Oshu axis of Amuwo Odofin during what naval authorities described as a routine but intelligence-driven patrol.
The cannabis was reportedly concealed in several sacks and abandoned by suspects who fled upon sighting naval operatives.
On Friday, the recovered substance was officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Speaking during the handover, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the operation followed credible intelligence about plans by suspected smugglers to transport drugs through Lagos waterways.
According to him, the Navy has been closely monitoring activities in the area as part of ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment.
He explained that criminal groups often exploit the network of creeks and waterways in Lagos to move illegal goods, including drugs, between land and sea.
“Maritime crimes often originate from land, pass through the sea, and sometimes return to land,” Adams-Aliu said.
“We are fully aware of the smuggling routes being exploited, including attempts by criminals from neighbouring countries to use our waterways, and that will no longer be tolerated.”
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, has an extensive coastline and several creeks that connect to the Atlantic Ocean. While these waterways support trade and fishing activities, they have also been used by smugglers to avoid security checkpoints on major highways.
The Navy commander stated that the latest seizure forms part of sustained operations aimed at blocking criminal access to Nigeria’s maritime routes.
He said the goal is to dismantle drug distribution networks that operate between land and sea.
Adams-Aliu disclosed that although the suspects escaped during the operation, their identities had been established.
He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to apprehend them.
“Our mission here is to reposition NNS Beecroft to effectively secure the waterways in and around Lagos and address crimes that move from land to sea and back to land. This seizure is a clear example of that mandate in action,” he said.
He added that the operation aligns with the strategic direction of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, which focuses on maintaining a responsive and professional Navy through strong inter-agency collaboration.
In recent years, Nigeria has faced growing concerns over drug trafficking and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
The NDLEA has intensified its campaign against illegal drugs, conducting raids in major cities, intercepting shipments at airports and seaports, and destroying cannabis farms in different parts of the country.
Officials say cannabis remains one of the most commonly abused drugs in Nigeria. Though illegal, it is widely cultivated in some regions and transported to urban centres for sale.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has previously identified West Africa as a transit point for various narcotics, including cannabis and cocaine, destined for Europe and other markets.
This makes collaboration between security agencies crucial.
Adams-Aliu stressed that the Navy would not relent in its operations. He revealed that several suspects were arrested during a recent raid at a known drug den in the Apart area of Lagos.
According to him, more targeted raids will be carried out in identified hotspots across the state.
Receiving the seized cannabis on behalf of the NDLEA, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Adejumo Gbenga, praised the Navy for its consistent support.
“The Nigerian Navy remains one of our strongest operational partners in Lagos and nationwide. This collaboration has significantly strengthened our capacity to curb drug abuse and trafficking,” Gbenga said.
He noted that the fight against drug trafficking requires teamwork among security agencies, community leaders and the public.
Gbenga assured that the NDLEA would carry out proper investigation into the seized consignment.
He said efforts would be made to trace those behind the shipment and bring them to justice.
According to him, drug trafficking not only fuels crime but also damages the health and future of young Nigerians.
Community leaders in Amuwo Odofin have welcomed the operation, saying it will help reduce criminal activities in the area.
Some residents, however, expressed concern about the growing presence of drug dealers in certain parts of Lagos.
They called on authorities to maintain constant patrols and improve surveillance along creeks and waterfront communities.
They also stress the importance of addressing the root causes of drug abuse, including unemployment and lack of opportunities for young people.
As investigations continue, the Navy has assured residents of Lagos that it remains committed to safeguarding the waterways.
The NDLEA, on its part, says it will continue to strengthen its partnership with the Navy and other security agencies to ensure that drug traffickers find no safe haven.
