Security
Army intercepts major drug courier in Kogi crackdown
Army intercepts drug courier in Kogi, seizing 108.8kg of cannabis and handing the suspect to the NDLEA for further investigation
Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army in Lokoja on Monday intercepted a suspected drug courier transporting a large consignment of Cannabis Sativa from Ekiti State to Obajana in Kogi State, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, announced on Tuesday.
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The interception occurred during a routine stop-and-search by soldiers deployed at the Agbede Response Area.
The troops halted a Toyota Camry with registration number DKA 158AU driven by Mr Johnson Ayo after noticing a branded police hat and belt displayed on the dashboard, which immediately raised suspicion.
A detailed search uncovered ten sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 108.8 kilograms concealed inside the vehicle.
Preliminary findings suggested that operations of this scale help sustain criminal networks in Kogi and neighbouring states, often fuelling activities such as banditry and kidnapping.
Lieutenant Abdullahi said the suspect and the recovered exhibits had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Kogi State for further investigation and necessary action.
The Nigerian Army described the seizure as a significant step in efforts to curb drug trafficking and dismantle criminal chains operating through the state.
The Brigade reiterated its determination to support national security initiatives aimed at safeguarding communities and reducing the flow of illicit substances.
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Kogi has for years served as a strategic transit corridor due to its central location and extensive road network linking northern and southern regions, making it a frequent target for smugglers transporting narcotics, weapons and other contraband.
The Nigerian Army is sending 600 soldiers to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training to improve combat readiness
The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at improving troops’ combat readiness and ability to operate in difficult terrain.
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The first batch of 300 soldiers departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, announced the deployment in a statement on Friday.
According to the statement, the training is intended to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness in challenging environments and strengthen the Army’s capacity to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“The training underscores the COAS’s commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of confronting terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in forests, mountainous areas and other challenging environments,” the statement said.
The statement said the deployment was initiated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as part of efforts to improve personnel development, realistic training and operational effectiveness.
It added that the programme aligned with Shaibu’s command philosophy, which prioritises combat readiness and the development of a resilient, mission-ready force.
The Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at Army Headquarters, Department of Army Training, Major General UG Yusuf, represented the Army chief at the departure ceremony.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria also witnessed the departure.
The Army said arrangements were underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the planned deployment.
The specialised training is expected to strengthen the soldiers’ ability to operate in forests, mountainous regions and other difficult environments where conventional military operations can pose additional challenges.
The initiative is also expected to reinforce defence cooperation between Nigeria and India.
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The Army said the deployment reflected its commitment to developing personnel capable of responding to security threats while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.
Troops rescue four kidnap victims in Zamfara and Kebbi during separate military operations targeting suspected terrorists and criminal groups
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