The Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, Lokoja, has arrested a retired soldier and a civilian along the Ajaokuta-Lokoja Road in Kogi State. The individuals were apprehended with over 400 kilograms of a substance suspected to be hemp.

The two suspects, Denis Foukorighe, a retired soldier and Paul Obor were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Friday in Lokoja along with the illicit substance.

Commodore Ugochukwu Ajulu, the Commander, NNS Lugard Lokoja, while parading the suspects, explained that the illicit substance was loaded in a Honda Accord saloon car conveying them from Edo State to Garki, Abuja, for commercial purposes.

According to him, the suspects, both natives of Benue State, were arrested during the navy’s check operations along the Ajaokuta-Lokoja Road on Tuesday.

He explained, “We are here at NNS Lugard Lokoja to hand over the two culprits and the illicit substances weighing over 400kg, including a Honda saloon car to the NDLEA officials for onward prosecution in the law court.”

Ajulu said that the naval checkpoints in Kogi had been active in line with the mandate given to them by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

The officer-in-charge of Strike Force, NDLEA, Kogi State Command, Superintendent of Narcotics, Olorunfemi Abolarinwa, said they would be investigated thoroughly before facing prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.