In a commendable display of vigilance, Nigerian Army (NA) Troops, in collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service, successfully intercepted illicit activities in two separate operations within the 81 Division NA Area of Responsibility.

Acting on actionable intelligence, the troops conducted a stealth operation at Ajido in Badagry, Lagos state, on Saturday, 2nd March 2024. They intercepted two boats suspected of smuggling illicit drugs. Despite the suspects managing to evade arrest by jumping into the river upon sighting the troops, the operation led to the discovery of 27 sacks containing the suspected drugs.

In a parallel operation, the troops thwarted another smuggling attempt at Fabre area in Badagry. This time, they intercepted smugglers carrying 77 sacks of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS). The seized PMS has been handed over to the Nigerian Customs Service, Seme, while the sacks containing suspected drugs have been handed over to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Seme Command.

Major General MT Usman, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, expressed commendation for the troops’ professionalism on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff. He urged law-abiding citizens in Lagos and Ogun States to continue supporting the troops and other security agencies by providing credible information to combat criminal activities. The General Officer Commanding emphasized the importance of such collaboration in maintaining the peace enjoyed in the Lagos and Ogun States regions.

Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for 81 Division NA, released the statement on March 4, 2024, detailing the successful thwarting of smuggling operations and the commitment of the Nigerian Army to ensuring security and combating illicit activities in the region.