The Nigerian military has dismantled multiple drug cartels operating within communities around the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State and arrested several suspects involved in the illicit trade.
Captain Olusegun Abidoye, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the Infantry Corps Centre, disclosed this during a press briefing and guided media tour on Saturday.
The suspects, he said, have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation.
According to Abidoye, intelligence reports revealed that organized drug syndicates had been running extensive operations in settlements including Railway Settlement, Unguwan Loya, Unguwan Aboki, Unguwan Alhaji, and Unguwan Alasan.
“These communities, while offering informal services to the cantonment, have also become breeding grounds for criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking,” he said.
He warned that the overlap between residential settlements and military training zones has exposed both civilians and soldiers to danger during field exercises involving live ammunition.
“Our investigations uncovered that more than 15 individuals were actively involved in trafficking drugs such as Indian hemp, skunk, crystal meth, crack cocaine, Exol, tramadol, and other psychotropic substances,” he revealed.
Captain Abidoye raised concerns about the growing influence of these cartels, especially on young civilians and the children of military personnel.
“The abuse of drugs among youths in and around the cantonment has reached alarming levels. This is a major threat to the discipline and safety of the community,” he added.
On the claims circulating in some online media that the army demolished civilian structures, Abidoye strongly denied the allegations, saying no such action had taken place.
“We categorically reject the accusation. The land in question is under litigation, and we have strictly adhered to a court order to maintain the status quo,” he said.
He alleged that it was the plaintiffs who violated the order by erecting new buildings and allowing a construction firm to mine laterite on the land.
“In response, the cantonment filed for an interlocutory injunction to prevent any further encroachment or excavation until the matter is resolved in court,” he explained.
Clarifying further, Abidoye said some business operators were relocated to a central market for enhanced security and monitoring.
He also addressed reports about electricity disconnection, stating that the military had no involvement in the issue.
Abidoye accused certain community members of resisting evacuation from military-designated land because the areas served as cover for illegal dealings.
“The Jaji Military Cantonment remains committed to safeguarding all law-abiding citizens. Our operations target criminal elements, not innocent residents,” he assured.