OGUN (Sundiata Post) – In a commendable display of strategic intervention, the forces of the 192 Battalion, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, executed a successful operation based on actionable intelligence to intercept a suspected transnational drug syndicate.
The operatives thwarted the illegal activities of the syndicate, which was operating with a Sienna 2001 Model Space Bus bearing registration number Lagos APP 129 EF.
The interception occurred along the Balogun border in Ogun State on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
Confirming the report, Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said the vigilant troops meticulously searched the vehicle, disclosing multiple concealed compartments containing a total of 296 parcels of a substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.
Preliminary investigations said that the illicit substances were smuggled from Benin Republic, traversing the Ilara border communities en route to Ifo, Ogun State.
Shockingly, it was discovered that the transnational drug traffickers spent five months meticulously concealing the contraband for delivery to their clientele.
Two individuals, Mr. Adigun Olatunji, aged 54, and Mr. Michael Atanda, aged 18, both hailing from Ilara Imeko in Afun LGA of Ogun State but residing in Benin Republic, have been apprehended in connection to the criminal activity.
In an attempt to evade justice, the suspects resorted to offering a bribe of Twelve Million Naira (₦12,000,000.00) to the troops, which proved unsuccessful.
The suspects, along with the confiscated items, including 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 the sum of Fifty-Two Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (₦52,700.00), are now in secure custody.
The items and the apprehended individuals are awaiting handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further legal proceedings.
This operation follows recent successful breakthroughs by the Battalion, including the confiscation of a substantial cache of ammunition and illegal substances along the Nigerian and Benin Republic border on November 12, 2023.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, extends commendation to the vigilant troops for their dedication and unwavering commitment.
He encouraged them to maintain this high level of vigilance in the interest of national security for the collective welfare of all Nigerians.
