Navy seizes illicit drugs, arrests 3 suspects in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, has arrested three suspected drug dealers and confiscated illicit drugs and chemicals valued at ₦500 million.

Captain Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer of the Base, revealed the seizure on Thursday while handing over the contraband to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The suspects were apprehended on Monday at approximately 11:50 am during a routine patrol near the Bendero and Uta Uyata areas. The boat they were aboard contained over 125 sacks of industrial chemicals (crystalline ammonia) and 62 cartons of various contraband drugs.

Among the drugs seized were 820 tubes of Pethidine (containing opium) and 24,800 bottles of Codeine syrup, which were being smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Cameroon.

Captain Aneke warned criminals attempting to operate in Nigerian waters to desist or face serious consequences. He further emphasized that under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy remains committed to eradicating maritime crimes in the Akwa Ibom coastal region.

In response, Mr. Monday Jatau, Deputy State Commander for Operations and Training at the NDLEA in Akwa Ibom, stated that the agency would prosecute the suspects after further investigation.

On behalf of the NCS, Mr. Abdulkadir Abubakar, Deputy Superintendent, thanked the Nigerian Navy for its continued efforts in the fight against maritime crime.