The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over 18 bags of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 756 kilograms to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The handover, which took place on Friday, July 17, 2026, was conducted by the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, as part of ongoing efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking through enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
According to the Navy, the seizure underscores its commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and preventing Nigeria’s maritime domain and coastal communities from being used as transit routes or safe havens for criminal activities.
The Navy attributed the successful operations to persistent surveillance by the Western Regional Control Centre, codenamed “FALCON EYE,” describing it as a reflection of the Nigerian Navy’s growing technological capability in maritime surveillance. It added that the feat aligns with the operational vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the directives of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha, to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and maritime security.
The suspected narcotics were intercepted during separate intelligence-led operations carried out by the NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team in collaboration with the FALCON EYE surveillance centre. Five bags were recovered at Abule Osun on April 7, 2026, two bags at Ikare Island on April 13, while the remaining 11 bags were intercepted at Alfa Beach on July 15, bringing the total seizure to 18 bags.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Deputy Marine Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Luka Yerima, commended the Commander of NNS BEECROFT and his personnel for the successful operations. He also praised the strong working relationship between the Navy and the anti-drug agency, calling for sustained collaboration in tackling illicit drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
The Navy reaffirmed that NNS BEECROFT would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen cooperation with relevant security and law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and other maritime crimes.
It also reiterated its commitment to the Chief of the Naval Staff’s mission of maintaining a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests, defending national sovereignty and supporting internal security operations.
