Navy intercepts 71kg cannabis, arrests three on River Niger
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted 71 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa and arrested three suspected drug traffickers 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 through the inland waterways.
The operation led to the interception of a large wooden commercial boat near Chintako Community Jetty in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to the Navy, the suspected cannabis was concealed in the rear compartment of the boat, where it was discovered during the search by the naval personnel.
The development was disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorusho.
The statement said the operation was carried out after the NNS LUGARD received credible intelligence on the movement of the suspected illicit drug consignment.
“The suspects were arrested on September 8, 2026, by personnel of NNS LUGARD following credible intelligence on the movement of an illicit drug consignment,” the statement said.
The Navy said the suspected drugs were being transported in the wooden commercial boat before the vessel was intercepted by its personnel near the Chintako Community Jetty.
Following the interception, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said investigations would be conducted to establish the source and ownership of the consignment.
The investigation will also seek to identify those responsible for the supply of the suspected cannabis.
The Navy said the operation highlighted the importance of intelligence-led maritime enforcement in disrupting the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s inland waterways.
It added that such interceptions were important to strengthening the wider fight against organised criminal activity and preventing the use of the country’s waterways for illicit activities.
