Troops Intercept Illicit Drug Consignment on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road
Troops of the 65 Battalion have intercepted a truck conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, following actionable intelligence from a credible source. The operation, conducted on July 9, 2026, led to the arrest of the driver, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment was being transported to the Berger area of Lagos State. However, the suspect could not provide satisfactory information regarding the ownership of the drugs or their intended recipient.
Suspect and Drugs Handed Over to NDLEA
In line with established procedures, the suspect and the recovered illicit drugs were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution. The handover was conducted by the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo.
Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya quoted the statement: "Troops of 65 Battalion have recorded an operational success with the interception of a truck conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road following actionable intelligence received from a credible source. The intelligence-led operation, conducted on 9 July 2026, resulted in the successful interception of the vehicle and the arrest of its driver. Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit consignment was being transported to the Berger general area of Lagos State. However, the suspect could not provide satisfactory information regarding the ownership or intended recipient of the drugs."
Army Commander Commends Troops
Reacting to the development, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and operational effectiveness. He urged them to sustain the tempo of ongoing operations and intensify efforts aimed at denying drug traffickers and other criminal elements any freedom of action within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
The interception underscores the Nigerian Army's commitment to combating drug trafficking and other illicit activities along major transport routes. The NDLEA is expected to conduct a thorough investigation to trace the drug network and bring all involved to justice.
