NAVY HANDS OVER THREE SUSPECTED DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO NDLEA IN AKWA IBOM

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The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State has arrested three individuals for allegedly smuggling 62 cartons of various contraband drugs and 125 sacks of crystalline ammonia.

The suspects, along with the seized items, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Navy Captain Uche Aneke, Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka.

According to the statement, the arrests occurred on Monday, November 25, 2024, during a routine patrol by FOB Ibaka gunboats in the Bendero and Uta Uyata areas.

“The boat was laden with over 125 sacks of industrial chemicals (crystalline ammonia) and 62 cartons of various contraband drugs. These included 820 tubes of Pethidine (containing opium) and 24,800 bottles of Codeine syrup, smuggled from Cameroon into Nigeria,” the statement revealed.

The suspects and seized items were handed over on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to:

NDLEA: Represented by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Monday Jatau, to handle the drug-related substances.

NCS: Represented by Deputy Superintendent Mr. Abdulkadir Abubakar, for further investigation into the industrial chemicals.

Captain Aneke emphasized that the process adhered to the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment and directives from the Defence Headquarters.

Captain Aneke used the occasion to warn against any form of illegal activities in Nigerian waters. He highlighted the Navy’s determination to eradicate maritime crimes under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.

“Criminal elements operating in FOB Ibaka’s jurisdiction will be detected through advanced surveillance and intelligence systems. Such individuals will be apprehended and prosecuted. Nigeria’s waters and coastal areas are not havens for illegal activities,” Aneke declared.

This development underscores the Navy’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and ensuring compliance with the law.