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 were arrested on September 8, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship LUGARD following credible intelligence on the movement of an illicit drug consignment through the inland waterways.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, 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.

“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 statement said.

The Navy said the operation followed intelligence received on the movement of the illicit consignment, leading its personnel to intercept the commercial boat during the patrol.

Following the arrest, the three suspects and the recovered consignment were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kogi State Command, on September 9 for further investigation and prosecution.

The NDLEA representative who received the suspects and exhibits said investigations would focus on determining the source and ownership of the consignment, as well as identifying individuals involved in its supply and distribution.

The Navy said the interception underscored the importance of intelligence-led maritime operations in curbing the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s inland waterways.

It added that such operations would contribute to the broader fight against organised criminal activities and strengthen security across the country’s waterways.

The statement was signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.