Troops Disrupt Transnational Drug Syndicate, Seize 296 Wraps of Illicit Substances

In a successful operation, troops from the 192 Battalion, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a suspected transnational drug syndicate.

The operation took place along the Balogun border in Ogun State, where a Sienna 2001 Model Space Bus, with Lagos registration number APP 129 EF, was apprehended. The vehicle was loaded with illicit substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.

Upon thorough inspection, vigilant troops discovered 296 wraps of a substance believed to be marijuana concealed in various compartments of the vehicle. Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit substance was transported from Benin Republic through the Ilara border communities, en route to Ifo, Ogun State. Shockingly, the transnational drug traffickers had spent five months concealing the substance for delivery to their clients.

TROOPS ARREST TRANSNATIONAL DRUG SYNDICATE, CONFISCATE 296 WRAPS OF ILLICIT SUBSTANCES

Troops of 192 Battalion, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence intercepted a suspected transnational drug syndicate operating with a Sienna 2001 Model Space Bus, with… pic.twitter.com/ZOgHeHUVdX

— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) January 14, 2024

Two suspects, identified as Mr. Adigun Olatunji (54 years old) and Mr. Michael Atanda (18 years old), both residents of Ilara Imeko in Afun LGA of Ogun State but residing in Benin Republic, were arrested in connection to the crime. Following a failed attempt to bribe the troops with twelve million naira (₦12,000,000.00), the suspects and confiscated items, including identification cards, mobile phones, SIM cards, charms, and cash, are now in custody.

The recovered items also include a Benin Republic National ID Card, a Nigerian National ID Card, two small Itel mobile phones, a Benin Republic driver’s license, a Benin Republic International Passport, six Benin Republic SIM packs, two Benin Republic SIM cards, a Nigerian driver’s license, a power bank, an MP3 player, a memory card, local charms, and ₦52,700.00 in cash.

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The suspects and seized items are awaiting handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, commended the troops for their vigilance and commitment, urging them to sustain the momentum in the interest of national security for the common good of all Nigerians. This operation follows recent breakthroughs by the Battalion in confiscating ammunition and illicit substances across the Nigerian and Benin Republic border on November 12, 2023.