Army Intercepts Truck Loaded With Suspected Illicit Drugs, Arrests Driver In Lagos

Troops of the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have intercepted a truck conveying a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and arrested the driver.

The operation was carried out on July 9, 2026, following actionable intelligence received from a credible source, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya.

The Army said preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit consignment was being transported to the Berger area of Lagos State.

According to the statement, the suspect was unable to provide satisfactory information about the ownership of the drugs or their intended recipient.

The Army said the suspect and the recovered consignment were subsequently handed over to the Lagos State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution, in line with established procedures.

The handover was conducted by the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lt. Col. S. Adeojo.

Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Adebayo Babalola, praised their vigilance, professionalism and operational effectiveness.

He urged personnel to sustain ongoing operations and intensify efforts to deny drug traffickers and other criminal elements freedom of operation within the division’s area of responsibility.

The Army said the successful operation highlights its continued collaboration with relevant security agencies in combating drug trafficking and other forms of criminality.