
By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Navy has arrested 3 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.
Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the
Director Naval Information disclosed this in a statement.
The suspects were arrested on 8 September 2026 by personnel of NNS LUGARD following credible intelligence on the movement of an illicit drug consignment.
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.
The suspects and the recovered consignment were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, on 9 September 2026 for further investigation and prosecution.
According to the NDLEA representative, investigations will seek to establish the source and ownership of the consignment and identify those behind its supply.
The interception highlights the importance of intelligence-led maritime enforcement in disrupting the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s inland waterways and strengthening the wider fight against organised criminal activity.

