Navy Seizes 1.4 Tonnes of Cannabis, Arrests 25 Stowaways in Lagos Waters

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has seized more than 1.4 tonnes of cannabis in separate operations and arrested 25 stowaways aboard commercial vessels in Lagos and surrounding waters, according to the naval commander.

Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Adams Aliu, disclosed the operations on Wednesday during a maritime stakeholders’ meeting at the Western Naval Command officers’ mess in Apapa, Lagos. He said the operations were part of efforts to tackle drug trafficking, smuggling, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.

Aliu said naval personnel recovered five bags of cannabis weighing 480 kilogrammes around Abule Odo, Lagos, on February 18, 2026. Other substances, including cannabis, tramadol and codeine, were also seized at Idi Araba in Apapa.

In another operation, two bags of cannabis weighing 192 kilogrammes were intercepted at Ikare Island on April 28. On July 22, naval personnel recovered 11 bags weighing 756 kilogrammes at Wiliki Post, off Alpha Beach.

The three reported cannabis seizures total 1,428 kilogrammes, or approximately 1.43 tonnes. The seized substances were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

The naval commander also disclosed that 25 stowaways were arrested aboard commercial vessels at locations including Lagos Anchorage, Lekki Dangote Terminal and Takwa Bay. The individuals were transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.

Aliu said other suspects apprehended during the operations had been handed over to relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Describing the maritime security situation as generally calm, Aliu stressed that continued surveillance and cooperation among security agencies, maritime operators, government authorities and host communities remained necessary. He urged stakeholders to establish reliable channels for reporting suspicious movements, appoint designated security officers and improve communication when incidents occur.

At the meeting, Apapa Local Government chairman Senbajo Idowu Abike raised concerns about drug trafficking, child abuse, human trafficking and the involvement of young people in street gangs. While acknowledging reported security improvements, Abike warned that criminal activities continued to pose risks to local communities, particularly schoolchildren.