The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Joint Task Force South West, Operation AWATSE, has arrested 16 suspected drug dealers and recovered assorted narcotics during an intelligence-led operation in Lagos State.
The suspects were apprehended during sustained patrols and raids carried out as part of Operation Ember Guard, a follow-up security operation launched to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the South West. The arrested suspects and recovered drugs were subsequently handed over to the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Briefing journalists on the operation, the Commander, Base Services Group and Air Component Commander of Operation AWATSE, Air Commodore Muhammed Imam, said the task force was established to protect critical national assets and tackle multiple security threats in the region.
According to him, Operation AWATSE was originally set up to curb pipeline vandalism and the theft of crude oil and petroleum products along the 72-kilometre pipeline corridor from Atlas Cove to the Mosimi Depot. He added that the mandate of the operation also covers anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping, anti-robbery and anti-drug abuse efforts.
“In line with the recent Federal Government directive conveyed through the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Theatre Commander was directed to launch Operation Ember Guard,” Imam said.
He explained that the operation was initiated to intensify security activities and sustain pressure on criminal networks operating in the South West, leading to increased patrols and raids throughout December.
“Through about 18,000 raid operation patrols, and on 28 December, while leading an intelligence-driven operation around Igimu, Tatuaru and Egbeda, we arrested 16 drug suspects,” he said.
Air Commodore Imam listed items recovered from the suspects to include crack cocaine, 60 wraps of loud, 40 bottles of coded cough syrup, kola and Bacardi drinks, six barcodes, two tubes of Russian cream, as well as electronic weighing scales, crushers and other psychotropic substances such as Rohypnol and ice.
He stated that the suspects were transferred to the appropriate authorities, noting that the NDLEA is statutorily mandated to handle drug-related offences.
Also speaking at the briefing, the NDLEA Deputy Commander of Narcotics and Area Commander, Teju, Stephen Oboshua, commended the Nigerian Air Force for the successful operation and lauded the growing inter-agency collaboration among security outfits.
Representing the NDLEA leadership in Lagos, Oboshua expressed appreciation to the NAF for its proactive role in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
“On behalf of the State Commander and the entire Lagos State Strategic Command, we appreciate the Nigerian Air Force for effecting these arrests and recovering the drugs on display,” he said.
He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug abuse, stressing that sustained collaboration among security agencies remained critical to safeguarding the nation, particularly its youth.
“The fight against drugs is crucial because of the devastating effects these substances have on young people and their central nervous system. Many of these drugs are depressants and psychoactive in nature,” Oboshua said.
He added that the agency would continue working closely with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service to reduce the proliferation of illicit drugs in society.
