By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have intercepted a truck conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road in a successful intelligence-led operation.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the operation was carried out on 9 July 2026 following actionable intelligence from a credible source.

The troops intercepted the vehicle and arrested its driver without incident.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit drugs were being transported to the Berger area of Lagos State.

However, the suspect was unable to provide satisfactory information regarding the ownership of the consignment or its intended recipient.

The Nigerian Army said the suspect and the recovered drugs were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and prosecution. The handover was conducted by the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo.

Commending the troops for the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised their vigilance, professionalism and operational effectiveness. He urged personnel to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and intensify efforts to deny drug traffickers and other criminal elements freedom of action within the division’s area of responsibility.

The Army reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and other forms of criminality across the country.

From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

Troops of Joint Task Force, North West, Operation Fansan Yamma (JTF NW OPFY) have frustrated a series of terrorists’ attacks across Katsina and Zamfara States, recovered arms and ammunition.

This medium gathered that the coordinated operations, conducted on 2 July 2026, underscore the sustained determination of the JTF to protect lives, safeguard communities, and maintain pressure on terrorist groups operating within the North West.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Northwest OPFY, Lt.

Colonel Aliyu Danja and made available to newsmen in Gusau, Zamfara State capital.

According to the statement, in Katsina State, troops of Sector 2, on fighting patrol, engaged terrorists between Amara and Chakau Junction in Danmusa Local Government Area after the fleeing criminals opened fire on sighting the advancing troops.

“The troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their mission and flee. Following the encounter, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, and two motorcycles used by the terrorists”

“In a separate operation on the outskirts of Sabon Garin and Dantakeri villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area, troops, working alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes, swiftly responded to a terrorist attack, neutralizing one terrorist during the ensuing firefight”

“In Malumfashi Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2, in conjunction with other security agencies, responded to reports of a terrorist invasion of Farin Hawa Village, where armed terrorists riding on several motorcycles abducted the District Head, Mr. Mubarak Sharin”

 “The pursuing troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists, neutralizing one of the assailants, disrupting their withdrawal and rescued the kidnapped district head”

“In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 repelled a terrorist attack on their location at Dauran in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State. During the fierce engagement, troops, reinforced by a fighting patrol, forced the terrorists to retreat, recovering one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, thirty-five rounds of ammunition, a bandolier, and a hydration pack (CamelBak)”

“Operation Fassan Yamma commends the courage, professionalism, and resilience displayed by its personnel and collaborating security agencies throughout these operations”

“The Joint Task Force remains resolute in its mission to sustain offensive operations against terrorist groups while working closely with communities to enhance security and protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across the North West.”

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) has stopped an illegal street party that blocked part of Lawani Street, off University Road, Yaba, preventing a major traffic gridlock.

The Chairman of the taskforce, Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan on Sunday in Lagos.

Akerele said public roads were not meant to serve as event centres, warning residents against converting them into venues for private celebrations

According to Akerele, organisers of a private anniversary celebration have unlawfully cordoned off an entire lane of the road, which currently serves as a critical alternative route due to ongoing construction on an adjoining road.

He said the illegal occupation of the roadway significantly impeded the free flow of traffic and caused inconvenience to motorists and other road users.

The chairman said that the task force acted on credible intelligence by immediately deploying enforcement officers to the scene.

“The operatives dismantled the illegal barricades and confiscated canopies, chairs, tables and other items used to obstruct the public roadway, thereby restoring normal traffic flow,” he said.

Akerele condemned the growing practice of using public roads for private celebrations, saying no individual had the right to obstruct public infrastructure for personal events at the expense of the public.

He warned organisers of such gatherings and others who deliberately obstructed roads for social events to desist, advising them to use designated event centres or obtain the necessary approvals where applicable.

“Public roads are constructed for the benefit of all Lagosians and must not be converted into private event spaces.

“Anyone found obstructing traffic or blocking public roads for social activities will face the full weight of the law.

“We will not tolerate actions that disrupt public order or frustrate the daily livelihood of residents,” Akerele said.

He further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the agency by reporting activities capable of endangering public safety, obstructing road networks or degrading the environment.

He urged residents to make such reports through 09137555111 and 09138555111 or via the agency’s social media handles.

Akerele reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing extant laws and maintaining order, safety and sanity across the state in line with the vision of the Lagos State Government.