The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, has seized approximately 1.9 tonnes of cannabis in separate operations and arrested 25 stowaways aboard merchant vessels in Lagos and adjoining waters as part of efforts to combat maritime crimes.

The Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Adams Aliu, disclosed this during a maritime stakeholders’ engagement at the Officers’ Mess of the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos.

Aliu said the operations were part of the Navy’s sustained efforts to tackle drug trafficking, smuggling, illegal bunkering and other criminal activities within its Area of Responsibility.

Providing details of the seizures, the naval commander said personnel recovered five sacks of cannabis weighing 480 kilogrammes around Abule Odo, Lagos, on February 18, 2026.

Other illicit substances, including cannabis, tramadol and codeine, were also seized at Idi Araba, Apapa.

He added that two bags of cannabis weighing 192 kilogrammes were intercepted at Ikare Island on April 28, while 11 bags weighing 756 kilogrammes were recovered at Wiliki Post, off Alpha Beach, on July 22.

The seized substances have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation.

Aliu also disclosed that 25 stowaways were arrested aboard commercial vessels at different locations, including Lagos Anchorage, Lekki Dangote Terminal and Takwa Bay.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for necessary action.

Other suspects arrested during the operations were transferred to relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The naval commander described the security situation within the area as generally peaceful but stressed the need for continuous surveillance and stronger collaboration among security agencies, maritime operators, government institutions and host communities.

He noted that maritime security breaches were often connected to land-based criminal activities, making community participation essential in preventing security threats.

Aliu urged maritime stakeholders to establish reliable channels for reporting suspicious movements, designate security officers and strengthen communication through a coordinated incident-reporting system.