Troops arrest 21 suspects in Abia drug raid operation during a joint military sweep targeting drug trafficking and illegal activities in Owaza

Abia State troops of the 144 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Eastern Sanity, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force 511 Quick Response Group, carried out a coordinated raid at a Mammy market in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of 21 suspected drug traffickers.

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The operation, which took place on Tuesday, was launched following intelligence reports linking the market and surrounding bushes to illicit drug dealing, crude oil bunkering activities, illegal Premium Motor Spirit trading, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal enterprises.

Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Abia State, Mazinho Attah, confirmed the development in an official statement, describing the exercise as intelligence-driven and highly coordinated.

According to Attah, troops swiftly cordoned off the area upon arrival, conducting thorough searches across the market and adjoining hideouts suspected to be criminal enclaves.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals allegedly found in possession of large quantities of Indian hemp, rolling papers, suspected hard drugs known locally as “ice,” and the sum of ₦103,000.

The Focus Keyword Abia drug raid operation reflects the scale of the joint security intervention, which authorities described as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the region.

Attah further stated that the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary profiling and will be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

He added that follow-up patrols and area domination exercises would continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action within Owaza and its environs.

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The military operation underscores what officials described as an intensified push to restore order and curb the activities of illicit drug networks and other associated crimes in Abia State.