NNS BEECROFT Sustains Effort to Combat Drug Trafficking, Hands Over 756kg Cannabis to NDLEA

Chiemelie Ezeobi

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), following a series of intelligence-led operations across its area of responsibility in Lagos.

The exhibits were formally transferred to the NDLEA Marine Command during a handover ceremony held at NNS BEECROFT, Apapa, on Friday.

Speaking during the event, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the seizure marked another milestone in the command’s sustained efforts to combat drug trafficking and other maritime crimes.

He disclosed that the 18 bags of suspected cannabis sativa were recovered during separate operations conducted over the past few months.

According to him, five bags were intercepted at Abule Osun on April 7, 2026, while two bags were recovered at Ikare Island on April 13. 

He added that another 11 bags were seized at Alpha Beach on July 15, bringing the total recovery to about 756 kilograms.

Adams-Aliu attributed the successful operations to the Nigerian Navy Western Regional Control Centre, popularly known as Falcon Eye, describing it as a key enabler of the command’s intelligence-driven operations.

He explained that Falcon Eye is an advanced maritime surveillance system equipped with long-range cameras, sensors and other sophisticated technologies that provide extensive monitoring of Nigeria’s coastal waters, including areas beyond the reach of naval patrol boats.

“The system provides real-time intelligence that enables swift deployment of operational teams to intercept criminal elements before they can execute illegal activities,” he said.

The commander noted that the seizures reflected the vigilance, professionalism and operational readiness of NNS BEECROFT personnel, adding that they also demonstrated the impact of the technological transformation being championed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

He said technology has become a critical force multiplier in denying criminal syndicates freedom of operation within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Adams-Aliu reaffirmed that NNS BEECROFT, under the Western Naval Command led by Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, would sustain intelligence-driven operations against drug traffickers and other maritime criminals.

He also pledged stronger collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies, stressing that inter-agency cooperation remains essential to preventing Nigeria’s waterways and coastal communities from being used as transit routes for illicit drugs.

According to him, the Nigerian Navy remains committed to the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff to maintain a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting internal security operations.

Receiving the seized exhibits on behalf of the Commander, NDLEA Marine Command, Commander Narcotic Luka Yerima commended the Nigerian Navy for its continued support in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

Yerima, who represented the Marine Commander, Commander Narcotic Morrison Emmanuel Udo, said the NDLEA values its strong operational partnership with NNS BEECROFT and expressed confidence that the collaboration would continue to deliver significant results.

He added that the agency remains committed to working closely with all security agencies to combat organised crime and protect Nigeria from the dangers of illicit drugs.