The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced plans to investigate allegations that some military officers are providing protection for drug peddlers operating in parts of Lagos State.
The investigation follows claims by the Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jimoh Saliu, who accused certain military and security personnel of shielding illicit drug dealers in the Marine Beach community, Apapa.
According to Saliu, an area popularly known as Gidan Drama, located near the Tego Army Barracks, has become a notorious hub for criminal activities, including drug trafficking and the sale of stolen goods.
Speaking during an event marking the 70th anniversary of the Corona Schools Trust Council at St. Theresa Nursery and Primary School, Marine Beach, Saliu described Gidan Drama as a major security threat to residents.
“The security situation in the LCDA is extremely porous. Gidan Drama has become a nightmare to our existence,” he said.
He alleged that suspected criminals often flee into the area after committing crimes and are subsequently protected from arrest.
“When they commit crimes, they run there, and when law enforcement officers follow, arrests are blocked. Some top military and police officers make it difficult to apprehend drug peddlers operating in the area,” Saliu claimed.
The council chairman further alleged that large sums of money are openly exchanged for illicit drugs at night, adding that local government officials who attempt to intervene are sometimes threatened or arrested.
He recounted an incident in which three LCDA staff members were detained and taken to the Naval Dockyard during an intelligence operation at Gidan Drama, noting that their release only came after intervention by senior officers.
Saliu called on the Lagos State Government and private organisations to acquire the disputed area for the construction of a secondary school, warning that continued criminal activity threatens the future of children in the community.
Reacting to the allegations, the spokesperson for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, said the claims would require proper investigation.
“When you say ‘military,’ that includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The military is a very large organisation,” Yahaya said.
He added that the chairman needed to specify the arm of the military involved to aid investigations, stressing that no conclusions could be drawn without verified findings.
“Issues like this require investigation before any response. I cannot speak on it for now, but I will make inquiries,” he told The PUNCH.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corona Schools Trust Council, Adedoyin Adesina, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to tackling the problem of out-of-school children.
She revealed that 75 children had been enrolled in schools in the Ago-Egan community of Bariga LCDA within three years, adding that the initiative would soon be extended to Gangare in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.
