On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, troops from the 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army operating in the 81 Division Area of Responsibility successfully intercepted a suspected international drug syndicate smuggling a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana). The drugs were being transported in a truck headed for Sango Otta in Ogun State.
Acting on valuable intelligence, the troops carried out a stop and search operation along Ajilete Road in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. During the operation, they seized the suspicious truck that had no registration number. Inside, they discovered and impounded 397 wraps of a substance believed to be marijuana.
In the subsequent preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the illegal drugs had been transported from Ghana through Benin Republic, passing through Igholo-Idiroko en route to Sango Otta.
The individuals responsible for smuggling the illicit substances have been identified as Mr. Matthew Edegbe, a national of Benin Republic, and Mr. Joshua Dansu from Idiroko. Both individuals are currently assisting in the ongoing investigation.
During the operation, several items were recovered from the suspects, including a mobile phone brand Infinix and Itel, an iPhone, a Benin Republic National Identification card, a driver’s license belonging to one George Benyagbe, and the sum of Seven Thousand Naira (N7000) in cash.
The suspects, along with the seized truck and exhibits, have been taken into custody and will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command.
It is important to note that this recent operation follows a successful interception by the Battalion on July 15, 2023, where they seized a truck loaded with over 20,000 cartridges of ammunition destined for Anambra state.
Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has commended the troops for their commitment and vigilance in combating criminal activities. He urged them to maintain this momentum to rid the country of criminality.
Issued by:
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
July 19, 2023