UMUAHIA, NIGERIA — In a major blow to the criminal networks operating within the oil-bearing communities of Abia State, troops of the 144 Battalion (Rear) have arrested 21 suspected drug peddlers during a high-impact, joint tactical raid at the popular Owaza Mammy Market in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The early-morning sweep was executed under the operational umbrella of Operation Eastern Sanity, a specialized security initiative designed to dismantle criminal safe havens across the state.
A Tri-Service Crackdown
Acting on precise, actionable intelligence regarding the resurgence of economic sabotage and narcotics distribution, the army battalion collaborated closely with personnel from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force.
The Owaza axis, which has historically battled the menace of pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering, and associated violent crimes, has recently seen its local markets converted into distribution hubs for hard drugs. Security sources revealed that these illicit substances are frequently used to fuel the activities of economic saboteurs who sabotage critical oil infrastructure within the Niger Delta fringe.
Seizures and Recoveries
During the meticulously coordinated cordon-and-search operation, security forces overran several makeshift shanties and drug kiosks within the Mammy Market.
The raid yielded a significant haul of illicit substances, including large sacks of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) and an assortment of synthetic hard drugs packaged for local distribution. In addition to the narcotics, operatives recovered ₦103,000 in cash, strongly believed to be direct proceeds from the morning’s illegal transactions.
Handover to NDLEA
The 21 suspects—comprising both major distributors and localized peddlers—were processed at the battalion headquarters. Military authorities confirmed that the suspects, along with all recovered exhibits, will be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for comprehensive interrogation and subsequent prosecution in court.
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Spokespersons for the security architecture in the region assured residents that this raid is not a one-off event. Troops have significantly intensified day-and-night patrols across Ukwa West LGA and its surrounding borders with Rivers State to completely flush out remnants of the syndicate and ensure the safety of vital national assets.
