Aleke Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian Army has stated that the interception of a large consignment of drugs concealed in the boot of a saloon car by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, has given a boost to the anti-drug trafficking campaign of the military and other security agencies.
A statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, revealed that troops intercepted a vehicle conveying substances suspected to be hard drugs while conducting routine stop-and-search operations at a checkpoint in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Lieutenant Zubairu stated that the interception occurred on 14 October 2025, around Anguwan Malama in Akwanga Local Government Area.
“Upon sighting the troops, the driver of the ash-coloured Toyota Solara with registration number KJA-108FY (Lagos) abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes. Despite a swift pursuit by the troops, the suspect managed to evade arrest. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several bags of substances suspected to be marijuana. The vehicle and recovered exhibits are currently in military custody for further investigation and subsequent handover to the relevant authorities,” he said.
The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops — through the Commander, Sector 2, Brigadier General D.C. Nwakonobi — for their vigilance, resilience, and professionalism, which led to the interception.
He reaffirmed Operation Whirl Stroke’s determination to deny criminal elements freedom of action, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and ensure continued safety and stability across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
