By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
A covert naval surveillance operation has dealt a heavy blow to drug traffickers after operatives intercepted nearly half a tonne of cannabis hidden inside a suspicious vehicle along the Lagos coastal corridor.
The seizure, carried out by NNS Beecroft, culminated Friday with the handover of the narcotics to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the Festac Area Command.
Naval sources revealed the Quick Response Team acted on credible intelligence on February 18, tracking a van believed to be transporting illicit drugs around Abule Osun in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area.
Moments after interception, officers uncovered five large bags of cannabis sativa weighing about 500 kilograms, a street value believed to run into millions of naira.
Security officials described the discovery as a significant disruption of a distribution chain supplying urban markets.
Commander of the base, Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the operation reflects the navy’s intensified crackdown on criminal activity within coastal environments.
He credited the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, noting that maritime security now extends beyond piracy to narcotics trafficking networks operating through waterfront routes.
The Commander also urged residents to share timely intelligence with authorities to prevent criminal movements.
The seized drugs were formally transferred to narcotics officers led by Adejumo Gbenga Ayo for investigation and prosecution processes.
Officials said the bust highlights growing cooperation among security agencies to dismantle trafficking rings exploiting coastal communities.
Authorities believe traffickers increasingly rely on waterways and coastal settlements to evade checkpoints, a trend security forces say they are now targeting aggressively.
For the navy, Friday’s operation sends a clear warning:
Nigeria’s waters are no longer safe routes for drug couriers whether by sea or by shore.
