65 Battalion Troops Intercept Large Consignment of Illicit Drugs Along Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 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.

The intelligence-led operation, conducted on July 9, 2026, led 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.

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

The Army said 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, in line with established procedures. 

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

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

He urged the troops to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and intensify efforts to deny drug traffickers and other criminal elements freedom of action within the 81 Division’s Area of Responsibility.