Suspected drug pushers have reportedly abandoned their vehicle and shipment after sighting the troops of the Nigerian Army during a routine stop and search conducted around Akwanga Local Government Area in Nasarawa State.
This was disclosed in a Wednesday statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Operation WHIRL STROKE 14, Joint Task Force Headquarters, Ahmad Zubairu.
According to the statement, the syndicates were driving in an ash-coloured Toyota Solara with a Lagos State registration number KJA-108FY, conveying several bags of substances suspected to be marijuana.
The statement reads, “Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, conducting routine stop-and-search operations at a checkpoint in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, have intercepted a vehicle conveying substances suspected to be hard drugs. 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 relevant authorities.”
The Commander Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops through the Commander Sector 2, Brigadier General DC Nwakonobi, for their vigilance, resilience, and professionalism, which led to the interception.
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He reaffirmed the determination of Operation WHIRL STROKE to deny criminal elements freedom of action, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and ensure continued safety and stability across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
TVC previously reported that in a sweeping crackdown from September 29 to October 1, 2025, the Nigerian Army troops intensified efforts to eliminate terrorism, kidnapping, and organized crime across the country.
The multi-state campaign yielded significant successes, including hostage rescues, arrests of high-profile suspects, and the seizure of weapons and illegal goods.
Military sources revealed that in Borno State, soldiers engaged in fierce battles with fighters from ISWAP and JAS, killing several insurgents and recovering a cache of AK-47 rifles, grenades, motorcycles, and communication gear.
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