The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully raided and dismantled a suspected criminal hideout in the Gidan Drama area of Agbo Malu, Apapa, Lagos, in a decisive operation targeting illegal drug activities.
The raid, conducted on Saturday, 24 January 2026, followed credible intelligence reports indicating that the location was being used as a base for drug trafficking operations.
Naval personnel deployed in the operation recovered a significant quantity of illicit substances from the site, including cannabis sativa, codeine and other prohibited drugs.
The discovery was announced during the official handover of the seized items by the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, who was represented at the event by the Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien.
Despite the success of the raid, no arrests were made as the suspected traffickers reportedly fled the scene upon sighting the approaching naval team.
Udoessien explained that the operation highlighted the Nigerian Navy’s determination to combat the proliferation and consumption of illegal drugs, particularly among young people whose futures and well-being are often severely affected by substance abuse.
He stressed that drug trafficking not only poses serious public health concerns but also constitutes a significant threat to national security and social stability.
He further noted that the operation aligned with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, aimed at eliminating criminal activities within Nigeria’s maritime and adjoining communities.
He described the raid as evidence of the anvy’s sustained commitment to maintaining security through coordinated enforcement efforts, both independently and in partnership with other security agencies.
In line with established inter-agency collaboration, the recovered drugs were formally handed over on Monday, 2 February 2026, to the Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Azu Charles, of the Festac Area Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary legal action.