Troops of the 144 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Eastern Sanity have recorded a major operational breakthrough following the arrest of 21 suspected illicit drug peddlers in Owaza community, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The operation was carried out on Tuesday, May 25, 2026, after security agencies reportedly received credible intelligence about the activities of suspected crude oil bunkerers, pipeline vandals, illegal petroleum dealers, and drug traffickers operating within the Owaza Mammy Market and surrounding areas.
According to a statement released by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Abia State, Mazinho Attah, the raid involved troops of the 144 Battalion working alongside personnel from the Nigerian Navy Component and the Nigerian Air Force 511 Quick Response Group.
Security operatives reportedly cordoned off the market and nearby suspected criminal hideouts before conducting a thorough search operation across the area.
The raid led to the arrest of 21 suspects allegedly found with large quantities of illicit substances, including Indian hemp, rizzlers, and suspected hard drugs commonly known as “ice.”
Operatives also recovered the sum of N103,000 believed to be proceeds linked to the alleged illegal drug activities.
According to the Nigerian Army, the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary profiling and will later be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Army further stated that aggressive patrols and area domination operations would continue across the region to deny criminal elements freedom of operation.
Disclaimer: Comments and opinions on any part of this website are the opinions of blog commenters or anonymous individuals, and do not reflect Strenuous Blog position.