Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade Headquarters, Ohafia, have arrested 21 suspected drug peddlers during a joint raid at Mammy Market in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The operation was carried out early Tuesday by personnel of Operation Eastern Sanity, alongside the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force 511 Quick Response Group.
The forces acted on intelligence linking the market and surrounding bushes to crude oil bunkerers, illegal fuel dealers, pipeline vandals, and drug traffickers.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, Lt. Mazinho Attah, said troops cordoned off the market and searched surrounding hideouts.
The raid led to the arrest of 21 suspected illicit drug peddlers. Recovered items included large quantities of Indian hemp, rizzlers, substances suspected to be “ice,” and N103,000 in cash.
Attah said the suspects are in custody undergoing preliminary profiling and will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
He added that patrols and domination activities are ongoing in the area to deny criminal elements freedom of action. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure against networks threatening peace and security in the region.
