Nigerian Army intercepts illicit drug truck, arrests driver during operation
Troops of 65 battalion successfully intercepted a truck conveying illicit drug consignment in an intelligence led operation carried out on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road on Thursday, July 9. According to reports, the operation which was based on information from a credible source, resulted in the successful interception of the illegal drugs and the arrest of the truck driver as well.
In the statement by the Lieutenant Colonel/ Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations of the 81 Division Nigerian Army, Musa Yahya, investigations by the Army reveal that the illicit consignment was to be conveyed to the Berger general area of Lagos state, while information regarding ownership and intended recipient of the illicit drugs are yet to be confirmed.
The statement also revealed that the handover of the suspect, along with the illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Lagos State Command has been conducted by the commanding officer, 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S Adeojo., for further investigation and prosecution. According to the statement, this is in line with established procedures.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, in reaction to the successful operation, applauded the the troops’ vigilance, professionalism and operational effectiveness. He went further to encourage them to sustain the commitment of ongoing operations and to intensify efforts against drug traffickers as well as other criminal elements of freedom within the 81 Division Area of responsibility.
