Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a serving soldier and four other suspected drug traffickers during a raid on a notorious drug hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State….
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a serving soldier and four other suspected drug traffickers during a raid on a notorious drug hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the intelligence-led operation was carried out on July 30 at the Congo-Russia area following reports of illicit drug activities in the neighbourhood.
“The operation was conducted at about 5:00 p.m. at the Congo-Russia area based on credible intelligence on illicit drug activities in the location,” one of the sources said.
The suspects were identified as Lance Corporal Luka Yakubu of the 82 Battalion, Abdulkarim Abubakar, Adam Musa, John Isah and Charles Ibrahim.
During the operation, 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,” the source said.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the soldier had allegedly been absent without official leave (AWOL) and was suspected of involvement 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 in custody and are undergoing further investigation as security agencies seek to establish possible links to wider criminal networks.
The sources said the raid formed part of Operation Enduring Peace’s sustained crackdown on criminal hideouts and illicit drug trafficking.
“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 said.
