The Nigeria Police Force command in Kogi State has pledged to sustain aggressive operations aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates and preventing the movement of illicit substances through the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, made the pledge while addressing journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday following the arrest of a 52-year-old man with 339 wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis.
The suspect, the commissioner said, was arrested during a stop-and-search operation in Kabba, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Kankarofi said the operation was carried out on May 9 at about 2:00 p.m. following intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention measures.
“Operatives of the Area Command in Kabba intercepted a Honda Pilot with registration number LSD 456 GE during routine stop-and-search duties.
“The vehicle was driven by Chris Amos, 52, with Bilat Joseph as a passenger.
“A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 339 wraps of substances reasonably suspected to be Indian hemp concealed inside.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects picked up the consignment from Ado-Ekiti on the instruction of an individual identified only as ‘Alhaji’,” the CP said.
He added that the identity and whereabouts of the said Alhaji remain unknown and are under investigation.
The CP noted that both suspects are in police custody and that the recovered exhibits have been secured.
Kankarofi said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure diligent prosecution of everyone connected to the crime.
The commissioner stressed that illicit drug trafficking remains a major driver of violent crime and criminality in society.
He reassured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property through proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with other security agencies and the public.
Kankarofi also thanked the Nigeria Police Force leadership for its strategic support, Ahmed Usman Ododo for backing security operations, and residents for providing timely and credible information that aided the arrest.
He urged members of the public to continue partnering with the police by reporting suspicious activities to help curb crime across the state.
