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The Nigerian Navy has dealt a major blow to suspected drug traffickers operating along the River Niger, arresting three suspects and recovering 71 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa in Kogi State.
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The operation was carried out by personnel of NNS LUGARD on September 8, 2026, following credible intelligence about the movement of an illicit drug consignment through the waterways around Chintako Community Jetty in Bassa Local Government Area.
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The suspected cannabis was concealed inside the rear compartment of a large wooden commercial boat, in an apparent attempt to transport the consignment undetected through the busy inland waterway.
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Three suspects and the recovered drugs were handed over to the NDLEA Kogi State Command on September 9, with investigators expected to trace the source, ownership and wider supply network behind the consignment.
September 11, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Navy has intensified its offensive against drug trafficking through Nigeria’s inland waterways after its personnel intercepted a suspected narcotics consignment and arrested three suspected traffickers on the River Niger in Kogi State.
Conducted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) LUGARD on September 8, 2026, the operation resulted in the recovery of 71 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa.
The naval team intercepted the suspected traffickers during a routine riverine patrol near Chintako Community Jetty in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to details of the operation, the suspected cannabis had been cleverly concealed in the rear compartment of a large wooden commercial boat.
The concealment was apparently intended to make the consignment difficult to detect as it moved through the River Niger.
The Navy arrested three suspects in connection with the consignment and recovered the suspected narcotics from the vessel.
Following the interception, the suspects and the seized substances were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, on September 9 for further investigation.
The NDLEA is expected to establish the source and ownership of the consignment and identify individuals or groups involved in its supply and distribution.
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An NDLEA representative said the agency’s investigation would specifically seek to establish the source and ownership of the consignment and identify those behind its supply.
Intelligence-Led Operation
Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, described the seizure as an important demonstration of the value of intelligence-led maritime enforcement.
Folorunsho said the operation highlighted the importance of intelligence-led enforcement in disrupting the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s inland waterways and strengthening the wider fight against organised criminal activity.
The Navy has continued to conduct patrols across the nation’s coastal waters, rivers, creeks and other waterways to tackle a range of maritime crimes, including drug trafficking, illegal oil activities, piracy and other forms of organised criminality.
The River Niger, which provides an extensive waterway linking several parts of the country, can also provide criminal networks with alternative routes for moving illicit goods away from conventional road checkpoints and other security barriers.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
