Navy Apprehends Ghanaians Smuggling Cannabis Sativa On Lagos Waterways

The Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Beecroft, on Tuesday, intercepted a huge wooden boat, laden with over 120 bags of narcotics suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.

In a statement by the Base Information Officer, NNS Beecroft, Sub Lieutenant Hapinness Collins, said the intercepted cannabis sativa weighs about 5,250 kilograms along with two foreign suspects, off Lagos Anchorage.

According to Collins, the Ghanaians, Emmanuel Doedcher and Godswil John Olamide, were arrested in the early hours of 7th December 2023.

The statement read, “In a feat of maritime security prowess, under the ongoing operation WATER GUARD, the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft’s Patrol Team, under the strategic leadership of the Commander Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and Maritime Component Commander, Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, successfully intercepted a huge wooden boat, laden with over 120 bags of narcotics suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, weighing about 5,250 kilograms along with two foreign suspects, off Lagos Anchorage. This arrest took place in the early hours of 7th December 2023.

“This feat is attributed to the seamless integration of credible human intelligence and effective utilization of the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment. Deployment of the cutting-edge technology has consistently delivered positive results, showcasing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to enhancing maritime security for economic prosperity.”

“The confiscated wooden boat, along with its illicit cargo and suspects, identified as Emmanuel Doedcher and Godswil John Olamide both from Ghana, were promptly apprehended and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary action.”

According to him, the interception underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to mitigating the impact of drugs, recognized as a catalyst for crimes, violence and other vices.

“The successful confiscation and subsequent handover underscore the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to mitigating impact of drugs, recognized as a catalyst for crimes, violence and other vices that pose significant threat to national security.

“This operation also aligns with key priorities of the Strategic Directives of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders, institutions and government agencies, under the principle of burden sharing to curb crime and criminality within the nations maritime environment.”