Troops Intercept Truck Loaded with Illicit Drugs on Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road

Troops of the 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have intercepted a truck conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs along the Lagos Calabar Coastal Road in a major intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

The operation, carried out on July 9, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by the troops, leading to the successful interception of the vehicle and the arrest of its driver.

According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit consignment was being transported to the Berger area of Lagos State. He disclosed that the suspect failed to provide satisfactory information regarding the ownership of the drugs or their intended recipient.

Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya said that, in line with standard operational procedures, the suspect and the recovered illicit drugs were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Lagos State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution. The handover was conducted by the Commanding Officer of 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo.

Reacting to the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and operational effectiveness.

He charged the personnel to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and intensify efforts to deny drug traffickers and other criminal elements freedom of action within the division's Area of Responsibility.

The interception underscores the Nigerian Army's continued collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies in combating organised crime, disrupting illicit drug trafficking networks and enhancing security across the country.