The Nigerian Navy’s forward operating base (FOB) in Badagry, Lagos, says it has handed over six suspected smugglers and 126 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Linus Osuman, the commanding officer of FOB, who handed over the suspects and the seized bags of rice on Thursday, said they were intercepted on December 27 with three fibre boats at the Akere creek in Badagry.

Osuman added that the command acted on an intelligence report about some bags of rice being smuggled into the Akere community.

Upon receiving this information, the base promptly deployed its quick response team to the location. As a result, 126 bags of foreign rice were seized, and six suspects were apprehended. Nearby communities were also searched, but no additional contraband or suspects were found,” he stated.

The suspects and confiscated items were handed over to the Semé command of the NSC for further investigation and legal action.

He added that the navy, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, would ensure that the country’s waterways are free from smuggling activities.

“As we all know, smuggling is detrimental to the nation’s economy, and it leads to loss of revenue and harms local production capabilities,” he added.

“These sustained efforts of the FOB Badagry demonstrate its unwavering commitment to maritime security within its area of operations,” the FOB commander said.

“These efforts are all geared towards complying with the chief of naval staff, vice-admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s strategic directive 2023-6, which is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.”

Imam Shehu, the NCS officer in charge of enforcement at the Semé area command, said the suspects would be charged in court while the seized goods would be auctioned to the public.

Shehu commended the navy for their effort towards protecting the country’s waterways, noting that the two agencies would ensure continued collaboration.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of cannabis in Lagos state.

A statement on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the boats were blocked at the Eleko beach in Lekki area of the state.

He said six foreign nationals were detained in connection to the shipment, which was allegedly brought in from Ghana.

Babafemi said the suspects include two Ghanaians and four Beninese.

“Operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA at 2:30 am on Christmas eve, Tuesday, December 24, intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis at the Eleko beach in Lekki area of Lagos,” the statement reads.

“Six foreign nationals who brought the consignments from Ghana were arrested during the operation. They include two Ghanaians: Godsway John, 38; and Freedom Kelvin, 33; as well as four Beninese: Chegoun Hounsou, 23; Gadabor Nyameto, 47; Adantg Sasa, 34; and Ayao Kayivi, 21.”

Babafemi said operatives of the agency also arrested a 48-year-old businessman identified as Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur for allegedly ingesting 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine while attempting to board a Paris-bound flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He said Orizu was arrested at the boarding gate of the Abuja airport last Sunday during the outward clearance of passengers on Air France.

“When he was pulled aside for a body scan, he turned down the request, claiming his medical condition won’t allow him,” the statement added.

“He was thereafter taken into custody for excretion observation during which he excreted a total of 74 wraps of the Class A drugs over a period of seven days.”

Orizu, a shop owner at Balogun Market in Lagos, reportedly said he was promised €3,000 for successfully delivering the goods to Paris.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano state command, has arrested 34 suspects with different quantities of illicit substances.

Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the state NDLEA commander, said the arrest was made to ensure a safe and drug-free Kano during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“On December 24, the agency dislodged several notorious drug joints across the state. These drug dens are located in Fagge Area, Sani Abacha Stadium, Danagundi, and the historically infamous Filin Idi drug den,” he said.

Idris-Baba said the command recovered substantial amounts of illicit substances such as cannabis sativa, suck and die, and Exol-5, among others.

Other recovered items include arms allegedly used by drug peddlers to pursue and attack officers.

“The drug users will receive the necessary counseling and support to aid their recovery,” he said.

The commander said the seizures reflect the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and curbing the availability of harmful substances within the state during the festive season.

He said those found culpable would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

The commander reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kano residents.

“We will continue to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from the streets of Kano and promote awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, as community cooperation is essential in this fight against drug-related issues,” he added.