By Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Army has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities, following the interception of a truck conveying a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road.
The operation, carried out by troops of the 65 Battalion under the 81 Division Nigerian Army, was executed on July 9, 2026, after the military acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of the illicit cargo.
According to the Army, the intelligence-driven operation led to the successful interception of the vehicle and the arrest of its driver without incident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspected illicit drugs were being transported to the Berger area of Lagos State. However, during initial questioning, the driver reportedly failed to provide satisfactory information concerning the ownership of the consignment or the identity of its intended recipients.
In keeping with established inter-agency procedures, the suspect and the recovered drugs were handed over to the Lagos State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, possible identification of other members of the trafficking network, and prosecution.
The handover was conducted by the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo.
Commending the troops for the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised their vigilance, professionalism and operational effectiveness.
The GOC urged officers and soldiers of the division to sustain the momentum of ongoing security operations and intensify efforts aimed at denying drug traffickers and other criminal elements freedom of operation within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
Security analysts have consistently identified illicit drug trafficking as a major enabler of violent crimes, cultism, armed robbery and other forms of insecurity. Consequently, collaboration between the military, law enforcement agencies and intelligence organisations has become increasingly important in disrupting criminal supply chains and dismantling organised networks.
The latest interception underscores the growing emphasis on intelligence-led operations by security agencies and highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing the menace of illicit drug trafficking across the country.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to supporting relevant security and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding communities and ensuring that criminal elements are prevented from using the nation's transport corridors for illegal activities.
The statement announcing the successful operation was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, on July 12, 2026.
