By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, in a joint operation with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested two suspected drug cartel members in Taraba State while disguised as police officers.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Umar Mohammed, confirmed the development in a statement Tuesday night in Jalingo.
He said the suspects were intercepted at Takum Junction, Wukari Local Government Area, with two Toyota Hilux trucks loaded with 1,134 blocks of cannabis. The vehicles, traced to Akure, Ondo State, were reportedly en route Adamawa before the interception.
One of the suspects was identified as Monday George, a 71-year-old dismissed police ASP, and the other as 41-year-old Ezeugo Destiny Uche. Troops said occupants of the second Hilux abandoned the vehicle and fled.
Both the suspects and the exhibits have been handed over to the NDLEA office in Wukari for further investigation and prosecution.
Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops and NDLEA for their synergy, reaffirming the Brigade’s resolve to make Taraba unsafe for criminals. He urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to aid security operations.