Major Drug Bust on Kogi Highway
In a significant operation, troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs and arrested a suspected drug pusher. The incident occurred on November 24, 2025, marking a crucial victory in the ongoing battle against narcotics and related criminal activities in the region.
The Interception and Arrest
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, the operation was carried out by troops deployed at the Agbede Response Area. During a routine stop-and-search operation, they flagged down a Toyota Camry with the registration number DKA 158AU.
The vehicle, which was en route from Ekiti State to Obajana in Kogi State, was being driven by a man identified as Mr. Johnson Ayo. Authorities became further suspicious when they noticed a branded police hat and belt displayed prominently on the car's dashboard.
A thorough search of the vehicle revealed a substantial hidden cargo. Soldiers discovered 10 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, with a total weight of 108.8 kilograms, cleverly concealed within the car.
Linking Drugs to Banditry and Next Steps
The Nigerian Army emphasized that this seizure is a critical part of its mission to deny criminal elements freedom of action. Preliminary investigations suggest that large-scale drug movements like this one provide essential financial support to criminal networks.
This illicit flow of substances is known to fuel a chain of activities that often escalate into banditry and other violent crimes within Kogi State and its surrounding regions. The area around Obajana, known for hosting the Dangote Cement factory, has been previously identified as a haven for such criminality.
Following the arrest, the suspect, Mr. Johnson Ayo, and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Lieutenant Abdullahi reassured the public that the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its support of national efforts to eradicate drug trafficking, curb the enabling factors of banditry, and maintain a secure environment for all citizens.
