The Nigerian Army says it has three suspected drug dealers in its custody in Benue, pursuant to its mandate to curb criminal activities, including drug trafficking and cultism, in the state.
The Commanding Officer, 72 Special Forces Battalion Makurdi, Lt.-Col. Sunday Agwom, said the army was working in collaboration with other relevant security and law enforcement agencies.
Agwom said the partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was targeted at those involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drugs.
He also said that many individuals involved in criminal activities, particularly cultism and other violent crimes, often operate under the influence of drugs.
“That is why we must continue to sanitise our communities by identifying and arresting those involved and handing them over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.
“It is on record that on June 15, we conducted an intelligence-led operation within the Makurdi metropolis.
“During the operation, we arrested Mr Ochai Jackso, a resident of high status.
“On the same day, we arrested another suspect, who is a dismissed soldier, popularly known as Damfo, at the Lafia Garage for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
“Furthermore, one Mr Ochai Ako, who resides behind the prison yard, initially evaded arrest when our operatives first went after him.
“However, based on credible intelligence and a subsequent search of his vehicle, we recovered several packages of different types of illicit drugs,” Agwom said.
He further said that the suspects and the recovered exhibit would be officially handed over to NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He warned that the special forces would continue to intensify their operations, in collaboration with NDLEA, to ensure that suspected drug peddlers were apprehended and brought to justice.
The Benue Commander of NDLEA, Mr Horsfal Richard, who received the suspects, said that the special forces demonstrated a strong spirit of collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
Richard, represented by Deputy Commander, Narcotics, James Gana, said the agency would do the needful by conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that the case was properly handled and prosecuted.
The Leader, Concerned Women in Community, Hajia Jamila Yahaya, lauded NDLEA for the feat and urged the agency to sustain its fight to rid the state of criminal elements.
Yahaya also appealed to the agency to ensure the suspects were prosecuted according to the law prohibiting drug-related crimes.
Also, the Chairman, Hausa Chiefs in Benue, Imam Sani Yusuf, said “the source of every prohibited action by human beings is drugs.
Yusuf assured the special forces of the support of Hausa chiefs in tackling the drug menace in the state.
