Army, NDLEA nab terrorists drug shipment

A joint operation between the Nigerian Army’s 21 Armored Brigade and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency intercepted a shipment of illicit substances destined for Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, via X on Tuesday, the joint team, acting on intelligence, conducted a swift operation in Konduga Local Government Area, resulting in the seizure of 163 bags of a psychoactive substance known locally as “Goom” or “Akusukura”. The total haul amounted to an impressive 2.5 tonnes of the illicit drug.

Makama via X on Tuesday revealed that the operation was launched following a tip-off, demonstrating the crucial role of timely information in combating both drug trafficking and terrorism.

Makama wrote, “The operation, which was carried out following a tip-off, resulted in the recovery of 163 bags of the substance, equivalent to 2.5 tons in a warehouse in Konduga.

“The suspected illicit substances, known as “Goom” or “Akusukura”, is a deadly psychoactive substance that represents a serious threat to public health and poses a challenge for drug policy.”

He added that the substance, which is of different varieties, is used in both liquid and powdered form by people who mostly seek to raise their levels of psychological or nervous activity in the body, or put it in simple terms, get high.

“The recovered items were handed over to the NDLEA team leader, and the area was cordoned off by the military. The operation highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration and the commitment of the military and NDLEA to keeping Nigeria safe,” Makama added.