Navy, Lagos LG seek collaboration to curb drug, human trafficking

The Nigerian Navy Beecroft and maritime stakeholders in Apapa, Lagos, have called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, businesses and host communities to tackle drug trafficking, illegal migration, child abuse and other criminal activities in Lagos waterways and port communities during the festive season and ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made the call on Wednesday at a maritime stakeholders’ meeting held at the naval base in Apapa.

He said, “This initiative was convened in line with the vision and mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and was driven by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, to bring stakeholders together and establish a common approach to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“The Navy’s objective is to maintain a crime-free maritime environment that supports legitimate commercial activities while preventing criminal networks from exploiting the nation’s waterways. Legitimate commercial business should be encouraged. We are discouraging criminality.

“NNS BEECROFT is responsible for policing inland waterways, harbours and territorial waters along approximately 154 nautical miles of Nigeria’s coastline, covering parts of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states. The base also oversees three forward operating bases in Badagry, Lekki and Igbokoda, with a maritime area of responsibility covering approximately 30,800 square nautical miles when the relevant exclusive economic zone is considered.

“The prevailing security situation within Lagos waters and adjoining areas is relatively calm but requires continuous surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent criminal activities, and effective maritime security requires the collective commitment of all organisations operating within the sector.”

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of Apapa Local Government Area, Idowu Senbanjo, called for sustained security operations to address criminal activities affecting the port community, particularly drug trafficking, illegal arms movement, human trafficking and child abuse.

Senbanjo said Apapa’s strategic importance as a major port city made effective security essential, given the movement of people, goods and commercial vessels through the area.

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She expressed concern that drug dealers were increasingly targeting schoolchildren, allegedly disguising illicit substances as sweets and exposing young people to drug abuse, gang violence and other criminal activities.

The council chairman commended the Nigerian Navy, police and other security agencies for their collaboration with the local government, noting that the relationship had contributed to improvements in Apapa’s security situation over the years.

She, however, urged the agencies to intensify efforts against criminal activities in vulnerable communities, including locations known locally as Gidan Drama 1 and Gidan Drama 2. She said further action was needed at the latter location following earlier demolition efforts at the former.

Senbanjo also called on residents to become more vigilant and report suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods, particularly those involving children, vulnerable persons and suspected criminal hideouts.

Commander Aliu reiterated that improved information sharing among the Navy, police, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and other relevant institutions would strengthen responses to security threats.

He revealed that NNS Beecroft confiscated and handed over to the NDLEA, a total of 23 bags of illicit drugs, including cannabis between February and September 2026 across operations at Abule Osun, Gidan Drama, Ikare Island, and Alfa Beach, notably 756kg in July; rescued and transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Service, 25 stowaways; comprising Nigerians and nationals from neighboring African countries, from commercial vessels at Lagos Anchorage, Lekki, the Dangote terminal, and Takwa Bay between March and September 2026.

He, therefore, urged maritime operators and residents to report suspicious activities and outlined plans for improved reporting channels, communication, and feedback mechanisms.