The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State has handed over three individuals apprehended for alleged drug smuggling to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). This move aims to ensure comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects.
Seizure Details
According to a statement issued by Navy Captain Uche Aneke, Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, the arrests were made during a routine patrol on Monday, November 25, 2024, in the Bendero and Uta Uyata waterways. Navy gunboats intercepted a vessel carrying:
- 125 sacks of crystalline ammonia, an industrial chemical often misused in drug manufacturing.
- 62 cartons of contraband drugs, including:
- 820 tubes of Pethidine, a narcotic painkiller containing opium.
- 24,800 bottles of Codeine syrup, a substance frequently linked to drug abuse in Nigeria.
The intercepted items were reportedly smuggled from Cameroon into Nigeria, highlighting ongoing cross-border trafficking challenges.
Formal Handover
On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the suspects and the seized items were officially transferred to the NDLEA and NCS.
- NDLEA: Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Monday Jatau, received the drug-related substances for further analysis and prosecution.
- NCS: Deputy Superintendent Mr. Abdulkadir Abubakar took charge of investigating the industrial chemicals.
Captain Aneke emphasized that the Navy followed the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment, ensuring compliance with directives from the Defence Headquarters.
Navy’s Stand on Maritime Security
Speaking on the issue, Captain Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain. Under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Navy has intensified surveillance and intelligence operations to secure the nation’s waters.
He issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating within FOB Ibaka’s jurisdiction:
“Nigeria’s waters and coastal areas are not havens for illegal activities. Anyone involved in smuggling or other maritime crimes will be apprehended and prosecuted.”
Implications for Maritime Security
This incident underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing the growing menace of drug trafficking and smuggling in Nigeria. By transferring the suspects and items to appropriate authorities, the Navy has reinforced its role in protecting Nigeria’s borders and maintaining law and order at sea.
READ ALSO:
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.