From Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command has said that a 52-year-old man has been arrested, with 339 wraps of illicit substances suspected to be Indian hemp in Kabba, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police (CP), Naziru Bello Kankarofi, told newsmen at a press conference held at the command headquarters in Lokoja on Tuesday that the arrest was made on May 9, 2026 at about 1400hrs through intelligence-led policing, strategic stop-and-search operations, and proactive crime prevention measures.
”On the 9th of May, 2026 at about 1400hrs, operatives of the Area Command, Kabba, while on routine stop-and-search duty, intercepted a Honda Pilot Jeep with registration number LSD 456 GE. The vehicle was driven by one Chris Amos ‘m’, aged 52 years, while one Bilat Joseph ‘m’ was seated as the passenger.
”Upon conducting a thorough search of the vehicle, the operatives discovered Three Hundred and Thirty-nine (339) wraps of substances reasonably suspected to be Indian Hemp concealed inside the vehicle,” the commissioner said.
He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly picked up the consignment from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State on the instruction of one individual identified simply as “Alhaji,” whose full identity and whereabouts are still unknown and currently under investigation.
”The suspects further stated that the illicit substance was to be delivered in Yola, Adamawa State,” Kankaroufi added.
He said that the suspects are currently in Police custody while the recovered exhibits have been secured while Investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehending other members of the criminal network and ensuring diligent prosecution of all persons connected with the crime.
”The Kogi State Police Command wishes to reiterate that illicit drug trafficking remains one of the major factors fueling violent crimes and criminality within society. Consequently, the Command will continue to sustain aggressive operations targeted at dismantling criminal syndicates and preventing the movement of illicit substances through the state,” he noted.
The Commissioner assured the good people of Kogi State that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property through proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and sustained collaboration with other security agencies and members of the public.
He appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for his continuous support and strategic leadership, which has greatly enhanced operational effectiveness across Commands nationwide.
”I also extend appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State for his unwavering support towards security operations within the State.
Most importantly, I thank the good people of Kogi State for their continuous cooperation and timely provision of credible information, which remains vital to the successes recorded by the Command,” he said.