By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have intercepted a major drug courier transporting a large consignment of cannabis from Ekiti State to Obajana in Kogi State. The operation, which took place on 24 November 2025, is part of ongoing military efforts to disrupt criminal networks and curb the flow of illicit substances linked to banditry and other violent crimes across the state.According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, the interception occurred when troops stationed 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 found with a branded police hat and belt displayed on the dashboard, heightening the troops’ suspicion. A thorough search of the car uncovered 10 sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing a total of 108.8 kilograms, concealed inside the vehicle.Preliminary investigations revealed that illicit drug movement of this scale provides financial support to criminal networks and fuels a chain of activities that often escalate into banditry within Kogi and neighbouring states.The suspect, along with the recovered exhibits, has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.Lt. Abdullahi reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and dismantling the enabling factors that drive insecurity in the region. He noted that the troops will continue to intensify operations aimed at safeguarding public safety and maintaining a secure environment for all residents.
