Driver arrested as troops intercept truck conveying large consignment of illicit drugs 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.

Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting, Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81, Division Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, 12 July 2026.

The intelligence-led operation, conducted on July 9, 2026, led to the interception of the vehicle and the arrest of its driver.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment was being transported to the Berger area of Lagos State. 

However, the suspect was unable to provide satisfactory information on the ownership of the drugs or their intended recipient.

In line with established procedures, the suspect and the recovered drugs were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“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 statement read.

“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.

“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the recovered illicit drugs were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and prosecution. 

“The handover was conducted by the Commanding Officer, 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S Adeojo.” 

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.