On July 18, 2023, troops from the 192 Battalion Nigerian Army operating in the 81 Division Area of Responsibility successfully intercepted a suspected international drug syndicate transporting a truckload of a substance believed to be Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) en route to Sango Otta in Ogun State.
Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a stop and search operation along Ajilete Road in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, leading to the interception and impoundment of a truck without registration number. The truck was found to be loaded with 397 wraps of the suspected marijuana substance.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit substance was concealed in the truck and transported from Ghana through Benin Republic, passing through Igholo-Idiroko en route to Sango Otta.
The suspects involved in the transportation of the illegal drugs have been identified as Mr. Matthew Edegbe, a Benin Republic national, and Mr. Joshua Dansu of Idiroko. Both individuals are currently assisting in ongoing investigations.
Several items were recovered from the suspects, including the truck’s registration number (T 1826 LA Lagos), which was detached and concealed within the vehicle to prevent identification. Additionally, an Infinix and Itel phone, an iPhone, a Benin Republic National Identification card, a driver’s license belonging to George Benyagbe, and the sum of Seven Thousand Naira (N7000) were seized.
The suspects, the vehicle, and the exhibits have been taken into custody pending handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command.
It is worth mentioning that the same Battalion intercepted a truck loaded with over 20,000 cartridges of ammunition heading to Anambra State on July 15, 2023.
Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, commended the troops for their dedication and vigilance. He urged them to maintain their momentum in order to rid the country of criminal activities.
