By SUNTV Global Channel
Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 65 Battalion have intercepted a truck allegedly transporting a large quantity of illicit drugs along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, leading to the arrest of the driver and the seizure of the suspected narcotics.
According to military authorities, the operation was carried out on July 9 following credible intelligence reports about the movement of the illegal consignment. The troops swiftly acted on the information and successfully stopped the vehicle during an intelligence-led operation.
In a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, preliminary investigations revealed that the drugs were reportedly being transported to the Berger area of Lagos State.
Military officials disclosed that the suspect failed to provide satisfactory details regarding the ownership of the seized items or the identity of those meant to receive the shipment.
The truck driver and the recovered substances have since been handed over to the Lagos State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution. The handover was conducted by the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo.
Reacting to the development, the General Officer Commanding the 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and operational efficiency. He urged personnel to intensify efforts aimed at disrupting the activities of drug traffickers and other criminal elements operating within the division’s area of responsibility.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to supporting security agencies in the fight against drug trafficking and related crimes across the country.
The latest interception adds to a series of recent operations by security agencies targeting the illegal movement of narcotics through major highways and transport routes. Authorities have repeatedly warned that criminal networks continue to exploit strategic corridors, including the Lagos–Calabar route, to transport prohibited substances to urban centres.
In recent months, security operatives have intercepted several consignments of suspected cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based syrups and other banned substances in various parts of the country, with many of the cases transferred to the NDLEA for further action.
