The Nigerian Navy has handed over a large quantity of substances suspected to be illicit drugs and other recovered items to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bonny, Rivers State, following operations conducted within its area of responsibility.
The handover took place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny, where the Base’s Regulating Officer, Lieutenant Commander Abdulrahman Buniyamin, formally handed the exhibits to Christopher Agboje, an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics (ASN) with the NDLEA Bonny Area Command.
According to the FOB, the substances were recovered during a surprise raid on suspected illicit drug locations around the Coal Beach axis of Bonny following credible intelligence. The operation formed part of the Navy’s broader efforts to strengthen security and deter criminal activities within Bonny Island.
Among the recovered substances were 45 moulds and 636 pinches of green weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, 37 pinches of a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine, as well as additional green weeds contained in a black polythene bag suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.
Other items recovered included two sachets of tablets suspected to be Emzor 5 and Diazepam, 173 tablets suspected to be Tramadol, a black power bank, a black Type-C phone cord, two ATM cards, cash totalling ₦19,500, and a National Identity Card.
The recoveries followed a deterrence and confidence-building patrol conducted by FOB Bonny on Friday, August 21, 2026. The patrol, involving armed Special Forces operatives deployed in two Deep Blue Armored Personnel Carriers, covered the Coal Beach General Area and other locations identified as having links to illicit drug activities.
During the patrol, the team reportedly observed unusual movements around a settlement, with some persons fleeing into the bush. A subsequent search led to the recovery of suspected illicit drug substances, while a drone was deployed for deeper surveillance and reconnaissance.
The team later proceeded to Hausa Quarters in the Amaomu area of Sandfield Community, where additional suspected drug substances were recovered after suspected peddlers reportedly fled the area.
The Navy said no arrests were made during the operation, while the recovered substances and other exhibits were secured for subsequent handover to the NDLEA for appropriate action.
The patrol continued through Shell Road, Willbros, Workers’ Camp, Finima, Abalamabie and Akiama, with the Navy describing the operation as successful and without incident.
The recovery and handover underscore the increasing collaboration between security agencies in combating illicit drug activities in Bonny and maintaining security within the community.
The Navy said its sustained presence and confidence-building patrols are intended to deter criminal activities and strengthen public confidence across its area of operation.
