Army seizes 108.8kg cannabis, arrests driver in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have intercepted a major courier conveying a significant consignment of cannabis sativa from Ekiti State to Obajana in Kogi State.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lokoja by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations.

The statement reads, “In continuation of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action and disrupt the flow of illicit substances that frequently contribute to the rise of banditry and other violent crimes across Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have intercepted a major courier conveying a significant consignment of cannabis sativa from Ekiti State to Obajana.”

Abdulahi stated that the operation occurred on Monday, when troops deployed at the Agbede Response Area conducted a routine stop-and-search on a Toyota Camry with registration number DKA 158AU.

“The vehicle, driven by one Mr Johnson Ayo, was also found with a branded police hat and belt displayed on the dashboard, raising further suspicion.”

According to him,a thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 10 sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 108.8 kilograms, concealed in the car.

“Preliminary findings suggest that large-scale drug movement of this nature not only supports criminal networks financially but also fuels the chain of activities that often escalate into banditry within the state and surrounding regions.

The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kogi State Command, for further investigation and necessary action.”

He stated further that the Nigerian Army “remains steadfast in supporting national efforts to eradicate drug trafficking, curb the enabling factors of banditry, enhance public safety, and maintain a secure environment for all citizens.”

PUNCH Metro reports that the troops of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, had been actively involved in the ongoing war against banditry and other crimes in the state.

The latest development is part of the army’s efforts to address the root cause of the rising wave of criminality in parts of the country.