By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have smashed a drug cartel in Taraba State, arresting two suspects who disguised themselves in police uniforms.
Army spokesperson, Lt. Umar Mohammed, said the joint operation with the NDLEA took place at Takum Junction, Wukari LGA, where troops intercepted two Toyota Hilux trucks carrying 1,134 blocks of cannabis.
Preliminary findings revealed the consignment was loaded in Akure, Ondo State, and was headed to Adamawa before it was intercepted. One of the suspects, 71-year-old Monday George, is a dismissed Police ASP, while the second, 41-year-old Ezeugo Destiny Uche, was arrested alongside him. Occupants of the second truck fled on sighting troops, abandoning their vehicle.
The seized drugs and suspects have since been handed over to the NDLEA office in Wukari for further investigation.
Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade, praised the troops and NDLEA operatives for their coordination, stressing that Taraba will remain hostile ground for criminals. He urged residents to continue sharing credible intelligence to strengthen security operations.