Nigerian Navy Busts Drug Ring on River Niger, Seizes 71kg

On September 8, 2026, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) LUGARD conducted an operation on the River Niger in Kogi State, targeting drug trafficking through Nigeria’s inland waterways. During a routine patrol near Chintako Community Jetty in Bassa Local Government Area, the naval team intercepted a large wooden commercial boat concealing 71 kilograms of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa.

The drugs were hidden in the rear compartment of the vessel, indicating an attempt to evade detection. Three suspected traffickers were arrested in connection with the consignment.

Following the operation, the suspects and the seized narcotics were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, on September 9 for further investigation. The NDLEA is tasked with determining the source and ownership of the consignment and identifying individuals or groups involved in its supply and distribution.