Navy Arrests 3, Seizes 71kg Suspected Cannabis on River Niger

The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspected drug traffickers and intercepted 71 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa during a riverine patrol along the River Niger in Kogi State.

The suspects were arrested on September 8, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) LUGARD following credible intelligence on the movement of an illicit drug consignment.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the suspected cannabis was concealed in the rear compartment of a large wooden commercial boat intercepted near Chintako Community Jetty in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

The Navy said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led patrols in tackling illicit activities along Nigeria's inland waterways.

The suspects, alongside the recovered consignment, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, on September 9 for further investigation and prosecution.

A representative of the NDLEA said investigations would focus on determining the source and ownership of the suspected cannabis consignment, as well as identifying other individuals connected to its supply and distribution.

The Navy said the interception underscored the importance of sustained intelligence-driven maritime enforcement in disrupting the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria's inland waterways.

It added that such operations would contribute to the broader fight against organised criminal activities and strengthen security across the country's waterways.