Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, in a coordinated operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested two men impersonating police officers while transporting a large consignment of cannabis in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, carried out as part of the ongoing military campaign Operation Lafiya Nakowa, led to the interception of two Toyota Hilux vehicles at Takum Junction. Inside the vehicles, troops discovered 1,134 blocks of substances suspected to be cannabis.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Brigade’s Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said the arrest was made following credible intelligence provided to security agencies.
The suspects were identified as 71-year-old Monday George, a dismissed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), and 41-year-old Ezeugo Destiny Uche. Both men were reportedly dressed in mobile police uniforms at the time of their arrest. Investigations confirmed that neither individual is currently serving in the Nigeria Police Force.
Authorities believe the illicit consignment originated from Akure in Ondo State and was destined for Adamawa State before being intercepted by the joint security team.
A second group of suspects, also traveling in a Hilux vehicle, reportedly abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene upon sighting the troops. Security forces are currently working to track them down.
The arrested individuals and seized items have been handed over to the NDLEA office in Wukari for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the professionalism and coordination demonstrated by both the Army and NDLEA operatives. He reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to eliminating criminal activities across Taraba State and called on the public to support ongoing security operations by providing reliable and timely information.