Troops Nab Two Fake Policemen with Cannabis in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested two fake policemen in Takum junction, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, in a major drug interdiction operation.

The operation, which is part of ongoing security measures across Taraba State code-named Operation Lafiya Nakowa, led to the seizure of over 1,100 blocks of cannabis and disrupted a suspected trafficking route from Ondo to Adamawa State.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops intercepted the suspects who were dressed in mobile police uniforms. Two Toyota Hilux vehicles loaded with substances suspected to be cannabis sativa were confiscated. Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, confirmed that preliminary investigations revealed that none of the occupants were serving policemen.

“The suspects had loaded the cannabis from Akure, Ondo State, and were heading towards Adamawa State when they were intercepted by our troops,” Muhammad said.

Suspects Identified, Cannabis Seized

One of the arrested suspects has been identified as Monday George, a 71-year-old former Police ASP who was previously dismissed from service. The other suspect is Ezeugo Destiny Uche, 41. Upon sighting the troops, occupants of the second Hilux abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.

A total of 1,134 blocks of cannabis were recovered from the two vehicles. Both suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have been handed over to the NDLEA office in Wukari for further investigation and prosecution.

Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the troops and NDLEA operatives for their coordination and dedication. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to ensuring that Taraba State remains unsafe for criminals, including drug traffickers.

Ongoing Operations to Secure Taraba

The arrest is part of broader operations across Taraba State aimed at flushing out bandits and criminal elements under Operation Lafiya Nakowa. Security agencies have emphasized the importance of credible information from residents to aid ongoing efforts.

Brigadier General Uwa urged the public to continue providing timely intelligence, highlighting that community cooperation is vital for effective security operations. “The synergy between our troops and NDLEA operatives demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies collaborate. We encourage residents to remain vigilant and support our ongoing efforts,” he said.

Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) and Operation Lafiya Nakowa, which have been active across the state, aim not only to curb drug trafficking but also to enhance the safety of communities plagued by criminal activities. The military and allied agencies have intensified patrols and checkpoints along major routes, particularly targeting high-risk areas for illicit drug transport.

This latest arrest highlights the continued commitment of the Nigerian Army and NDLEA to tackle drug-related crimes and maintain law and order across Taraba State. Residents are assured that security agencies are actively working to prevent the proliferation of narcotics and protect citizens from criminal activities.

The seizure of cannabis and arrest of the fake policemen serve as a warning to would-be traffickers and impostors attempting to exploit law enforcement identities for criminal purposes. Authorities have reiterated that stringent measures will be applied against anyone found violating the law.