Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft Raids Criminal Hideout, Hands Over Seized Drugs to NDLEA

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Officers of NNS Beecroft and NDLEA officials during the handing over ceremony

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has successfully raided and dislodged a suspected criminal hideout in Gidan Drama, Agbo Malu, Apapa, recovering large quantities of illicit substances which have now been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

A statement by the Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim informed that the operation, carried out on Saturday, January 24, 2026, followed credible intelligence reports of drug peddlers operating in the area. According to the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, represented by the Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, the raid led to the recovery of cannabis sativa, codeine, and other banned substances. However, no arrests were made as the suspects fled upon sighting naval personnel.

Captain Udoessien emphasized that the seizure highlights the Navy’s commitment to curbing the spread of illicit drugs among Nigerian youths, noting that drug abuse poses serious health risks and undermines national security.

“The success of this operation is a testament to the unrelenting efforts of NNS Beecroft to enforce the mandate of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to rid Nigeria’s maritime environment of all forms of crime and criminality, either singly or in collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies,” he stated.

The recovered substances were formally handed over today, February 2, 2026, to the NDLEA Festac Area Command, represented by Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Azu Charles, for further investigation and necessary action.