NAF INTENSIFIES SOUTHWEST SECURITY PUSH, TRANSFERS DRUG SUSPECTS TO NDLEA

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Joint Task Force South West, Operation AWATSE, has handed over drug suspects and a cache of seized narcotics to the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following an intelligence-driven operation in Lagos.

The arrests form part of Operation Ember Guard, a follow up security initiative launched to tighten control over criminal activity across the South West. The operation is nested within the broader mandate of Operation AWATSE, which was established to protect critical national assets, particularly the 72-kilometre pipeline corridor running from Atlas Cove to the Mosimi Depot, while also countering banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and drug related crimes.

Operation Ember Guard was activated on the directive of the Federal Government and conveyed through the Chief of Defence Staff, expanding the scope and tempo of patrols and raids across key flashpoints in the region. Sustained operations throughout December led to a series of targeted interventions, culminating in the arrest of 16 suspected drug traffickers during coordinated raids in the Igimu, Tatuaru and Egbeda areas of Lagos.

Security personnel recovered a range of illicit substances and paraphernalia during the operation. Items seized included crack cocaine, cannabis derivatives, coded cough syrups, alcoholic mixtures used for drug preparation, psychotropic substances such as rohypnol and methamphetamine commonly referred to as ice, as well as electronic weighing scales and crushers believed to be used for processing narcotics.

Following standard procedure, the suspects and recovered items were transferred to the NDLEA, the agency statutorily responsible for drug enforcement, investigation and prosecution.

The NDLEA, through its’ Lagos State Command, commended the Nigerian Air Force for the arrests and the seamless inter-agency handover. The agency described the operation as a practical example of effective security collaboration and reaffirmed its’ commitment to working closely with sister services, including the Air Force, Navy and Customs.
Officials noted that sustained cooperation among security agencies remains critical to curbing drug abuse and trafficking, particularly given the impact of psychoactive substances on public health and youth development.

The NDLEA reiterated its’ resolve to intensify enforcement efforts aimed at reducing the circulation of illicit drugs and safeguarding communities across the state and beyond.