In a swift operation that highlights the growing efforts of security agencies to combat drug trafficking in Lagos State, the Lagos State Police Command has intercepted a vehicle loaded with suspected cannabis and other questionable items in the Ojo area of the state.
The incident occurred during routine police stop conducted by officers from the Ojo Division. According to a statement released on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the officers flagged down an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna minivan for a routine check.
However, the situation quickly turned suspicious when the driver of the vehicle refused to cooperate. He was reportedly asked to present his means of identification and vehicle documents. Rather than comply, he suddenly bolted from the scene, taking the car key with him and abandoning the vehicle.
“The driver fled with the vehicle key upon being requested to provide identification and vehicle documents,” CSP Hundeyin stated. “He left the vehicle behind, raising suspicion.”
Following the sudden flight of the driver, the officers carried out a thorough search of the vehicle. Inside, they found two large bags containing what is suspected to be cannabis sativa, commonly known as Indian hemp. In addition to the drugs, they also discovered an Army jungle hat, and two ATM cards, the ownership of which is yet to be determined.
The vehicle and all the items recovered from it were subsequently transferred to the Special Squad 2 unit at the Lagos State Command Headquarters in Ikeja for further investigation.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Owohunwa Jimoh, has commended the officers involved for their vigilance and professionalism. He also assured residents of the state that the police are actively working to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
“We are following all leads to ensure that the suspect is arrested and brought to justice,” CP Jimoh said. “This is part of our broader strategy to clamp down on criminal activities and drug trafficking in Lagos.”
This incident adds to a growing list of successful drug-related interceptions by law enforcement in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, which remains a major hub due to its population size and transportation networks. In recent years, both the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have ramped up operations to curb the spread of illicit drugs, especially among youths.
Cannabis sativa remains one of the most commonly abused substances in Nigeria. While it is illegal under Nigerian law, its cultivation and use continue in many parts of the country, especially in the South-West. Security operatives often encounter large quantities of cannabis being transported across state lines, usually hidden in commercial or private vehicles like the one intercepted in Ojo.
The discovery of an Army jungle hat in the vehicle has also raised questions about possible impersonation or links to security personnel. The Lagos State Police Command has not ruled out any possibilities and says it will thoroughly investigate the matter.
“This is not just about drug trafficking,” a senior police officer who spoke anonymously noted. “When you find military gear in a civilian’s car alongside drugs, you must consider other criminal angles, including impersonation and organized crime.”
The two ATM cards found in the vehicle are also being examined. Police say they could lead to the identification of the suspect or offer clues about the driver’s identity and network.
Residents of Ojo and surrounding communities have praised the police for their alertness and have called for more frequent stop-and-search operations in the area, especially at night when suspicious movements are more common.
A community leader in Ojo, Chief Adeyemi Bamidele, said, “The police are doing well. We need more of these routine checks. Too many unknown people pass through our roads. These criminals think they can escape, but the law will catch up with them.”
The police have urged members of the public who may have information about the fleeing suspect or any suspicious activity in the area to come forward and assist in the investigation. They assured that all information will be treated with confidentiality.
