NAVY NABS THREE TRAFFICKERS OVER 71KG CANNABIS HAUL

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 and recovered consignment were handed over to the NDLEA on September 9 for further investigation and prosecution.

A Major Drug Bust on the River Niger

ValidViewNetwork gathered that 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 Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, who disclosed this on Thursday, September 10, 2026, said the suspects were arrested on September 8, 2026, by personnel of NNS Lugard following credible intelligence on the movement of an illicit drug consignment.

How the Interception Happened

According to him, 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.

Handover to NDLEA

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

He said the NDLEA representative indicated that investigations would seek to establish the source and ownership of the consignment, as well as identify those behind its supply.

The Significance of the Operation

The Navy spokesman said the interception underscored the importance of intelligence-led maritime enforcement in disrupting the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s inland waterways and strengthening efforts to combat organised criminal activities.

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The operation was carried out under Operation Accord 3, a Navy initiative aimed at securing Nigeria’s waterways and combating illicit activities.

A Lesson for Nigeria

The interception of 71 kilogrammes of cannabis on the River Niger is a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking, but it is also a reminder of the scale of the challenge.

Nigeria’s waterways have become major conduits for the movement of illicit drugs, and criminal networks are increasingly exploiting the vast, poorly policed riverine routes to transport their products.

For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: the fight against drug trafficking cannot be won on land alone.

The same criminal networks that operate on highways and in cities are also using rivers and creeks to move their deadly cargo.

Effective maritime enforcement is not optional, it is essential.

Support our maritime forces. Demand better funding for the Navy and NDLEA.

And never forget that every kilogramme of drugs intercepted is a life saved from addiction and destruction.