Nigerian Navy, NDLEA nab three suspected drug traffickers, recover 80,000 litres of crude

The Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested three suspected drug traffickers and recovered illicit substances as well as about 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

The arrests and recoveries were made during two separate joint operations conducted by the Navy and NDLEA teams in the creeks of the Niger Delta between Monday and Tuesday.

According to information from the security agency, the operations were part of ongoing efforts by the security agencies to tackle crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the oil-producing region.

The three suspects were apprehended in connection with suspected drug trafficking, while the security teams also intercepted a large quantity of suspected stolen crude oil during the operations.

The recovered items have been taken into custody, while further investigations into the activities of the suspects are ongoing.

The Navy, in a statement, said, “The first operation, which was carried out in Oteghele community, resulted in the discovery of a large dug-out reservoir containing 30,000 litres of crude oil, while the second operation resulted in the discovery of another 50,000 litres of crude oil in the Delta community of Obodo Omadino”.

Personnel of the NNS Delta and the NDLEA also conducted a joint operation against suspected illicit drug activities in the Warri general area and its environs, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of 15 kilogrammes of cannabis, some cocaine and crystal meth, among others.

The navy added in the statement, “The suspects and recovered items are presently in custody of the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action”.

Commenting on the incident, the Commander, NNS-Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, noted that the combined operation demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s ability to address multiple dimensions of maritime and coastal insecurity, from crude oil theft and illegal petroleum activities to illicit drug trafficking.

While describing the development as a significant operational success in the fight against oil thieves and all forms of criminality in the Niger Delta region, the commander said, “Criminal activities in the NNS Delta operational area, and the entire Niger Delta region, will be met with the best professional method under the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.”

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