Troops Foil Drug Movement in Akwanga, Trafficker Abandons Vehicle and Flees

T Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have intercepted a vehicle loaded with substances suspected to be hard drugs during a routine stop-and-search operation in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The operation, which took place on October 14, 2025, around Anguwan Malama, saw the troops flag down an ash-coloured Toyota Solara with registration number KJA-108FY (Lagos). However, on sighting the soldiers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bushes.

Despite efforts by the troops to apprehend him, the suspect managed to escape. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of several bags containing substances believed to be marijuana.

According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, the intercepted vehicle and the recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities.

The Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops—through the Commander of Sector 2, Brigadier General D.C. Nwakonobi—for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the successful interception.

He reiterated the commitment of Operation Whirl Stroke to deny criminal elements freedom of action, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and sustain security and stability across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.