Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted a suspected drug trafficker conveying 235 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa on Lokoja-Abuja highway.
A military operational report on Wednesday said that the suspect was arrested during a snap check operation conducted by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion deployed at the Quick Response Group (QRG) in Abaji.
It said the suspect, identified as Ayodeji John, 30, was intercepted while travelling from Okitipupa in Ondo State to Abuja.
According to the sources, the suspect was arrested in a white Toyota Avalon XLS vehicle with registration number BNG-326BN.
“The troops discovered 273 compressed packets of cannabis sativa weighing about 235kg concealed in the vehicle.
“The suspect was subsequently profiled and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
“In a related development, troops of the 4 Brigade, in conjunction with the Police and local vigilantes, rescued two kidnapped victims during an operation in Edo,” it said.
The report said the operation followed a distress call on kidnappers’ activities around Uhiere Forest in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
It added that the troops stormed the suspected hideout of the kidnappers at about 8:00 a.m. on June 23.
“On sighting the approaching troops, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the forest.
“The victims, identified as Mr Friday Agbiloson, 64, and Hammed Salisu, 19, were rescued unhurt and handed over to the Ekiadolor Police Division for debriefing,” the source added.
The military said troops remained committed to ongoing efforts aimed at combating criminality and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the country. (NAN)