Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a serving soldier and four other suspected drug traffickers during an intelligence-led raid on a notorious drug hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to security sources, the operation was carried out on July 30 at about 5:00 p.m. in the Congo-Russia area following credible intelligence on illicit drug activities in the neighbourhood.
The suspects were identified as Lance Corporal Luka Yakubu of the 82 Battalion, Abdulkarim Abubakar, Adam Musa, John Isah, and Charles Ibrahim.
During the raid, troops recovered quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs.
“The suspected drugs have been taken into custody as exhibits and will undergo forensic examination,” a security source said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the serving soldier had allegedly been absent without official leave (AWOL) and was suspected of actively participating in drug trafficking.
“Initial findings revealed that the soldier had been absent without official leave and is believed to have been actively involved in illicit drug trafficking,” the source added.
All five suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing further investigation as security agencies work to determine possible links to wider criminal networks.
Security sources said the operation forms part of Operation Enduring Peace’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and combat illicit drug trafficking across Plateau State.
“We will continue intelligence-led operations against drug trafficking, illegal arms circulation and other criminal activities across the Joint Operations Area to enhance public safety,” one of the sources stated….See more