The Nigerian Army has ordered an investigation into allegations that some of its officers are providing protection for drug peddlers in parts of Lagos State. The probe was announced by the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army on Sunday following serious accusations made by the chairman of the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Jimoh Saliu.
The allegations centre on a place known as Gidan Drama, located in the Marine Beach community of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA. According to Saliu, the area has become a major centre for drug-related activities and other crimes and is allegedly shielded by some military and police officers.
In a statement, the 81 Division said it takes the allegations seriously and would investigate to establish the facts. The Army stressed that it does not support criminal activity and warned that any officer found to be involved in wrongdoing would be dealt with according to military laws.
“The Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for indiscipline and criminality,” the statement said. “Any personnel found to be aiding or protecting criminal elements will face severe punishment.”
The issue came to public attention during an event marking the 70th anniversary of the Corona Schools Trust Council, held at St Theresa Nursery and Primary School in Marine Beach. Speaking at the event, Saliu painted a grim picture of the security situation in the LCDA, particularly in the Marine Beach area.
According to him, Gidan Drama is not far from the Tego Army Barracks and has become a hideout for notorious criminals. He alleged that illicit drugs and stolen goods are openly sold there, especially at night.
“The security situation in the LCDA is so bad and porous,” Saliu said. “There is a place called Gidan Drama which is a nightmare to our existence. The whole area has been troubled by these bad boys, and I have been working with the police to track them down.”
He claimed that whenever criminals commit offences in nearby areas, they run into Gidan Drama for protection. Saliu alleged that attempts to arrest them are often frustrated by the presence of top military and police officers.
“If you go there now, you will find top military and police officers making it difficult to arrest drug peddlers and other criminal elements operating in the area,” he said. “When they commit any criminal act, they run into the place, and when you get there, they are protected and arrest is prevented.”
Saliu further alleged that large sums of money change hands openly in the area at night, with drug buyers and sellers bringing out bales of naira to transact their business. He said the situation has created fear among residents and local government officials.
According to him, local council workers who attempt to carry out official duties in the area are often threatened or arrested. He recalled an incident that happened about two weeks earlier when three staff members of the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA were arrested during what he described as an intelligence visit.
“I recall that three staff members of the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA were arrested two weeks ago and taken to the Naval Dockyard,” Saliu said. “I had to contact the commander to explain that they were on an intelligence visit to Gidan Drama before they were released.”
The LCDA chairman warned that the continued presence of criminal activities in the area poses a serious threat to the future of children and young people living there. He said drug abuse and crime could destroy the community if urgent action is not taken.
“With this situation, the future of our children is uncertain,” he said. “We have many millionaires and billionaires in this community, yet none is investing in its future or development.”
Saliu used the occasion to appeal to the Lagos State Government and private organisations to help secure the Gidan Drama area for positive development. He suggested that the land be acquired for the construction of a secondary school to serve the community and drive away criminal elements.
The allegations have sparked concern among residents and civil society groups, who have called for a transparent investigation. Many believe that if proven true, the claims could damage public trust in the security agencies.
Drug trafficking and abuse remain major challenges in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. Several communities across the state have struggled with drug-related crimes, including violence, theft, and youth involvement in criminal gangs. Security agencies, including the police, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the military, often work together to address these problems.
However, accusations of collusion between security personnel and criminals have surfaced from time to time, leading to calls for stronger oversight and accountability.
Reacting to the allegations, the Army assured the public that it would cooperate with other security agencies and local authorities to get to the root of the matter. The 81 Division urged residents to provide useful information that could help in the investigation.
Meanwhile, the event where the allegations were raised also focused on education and community development. Speaking at the same programme, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corona Schools Trust Council, Mrs Adedoyin Adesina, highlighted the organisation’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Lagos.
She said the Trust Council has remained committed to supporting education, especially for children from poor backgrounds. According to her, the organisation enrolled 75 children in schools within the Ago-Egan community of Bariga LCDA over the past three years.
Adesina disclosed that the initiative would be extended to Gangare, a community in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, as part of efforts to give more children access to quality education.
As the Army’s investigation begins, residents of Marine Beach and Apapa-Iganmu LCDA hope that the allegations will be thoroughly examined and that anyone found guilty will be punished. Many believe that restoring safety and order in the area is key to protecting lives, property, and the future of children in the community.
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