The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has said it will investigate claims that some military officers are protecting drug traffickers in the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
The announcement followed accusations by Jimoh Saliu, chairman of the LCDA, who alleged that certain top military officials were shielding drug dealers operating in the area. Saliu specifically identified a location called Gidan Drama in the Marine Beach community of Apapa, near Tego Army Barracks, as a hub for illegal drug activities and other criminal acts.
Speaking during the 70th anniversary of the Corona Schools Trust Council at St. Theresa Nursery and Primary School, Saliu described the area as a haven for notorious criminals, where illicit drugs and stolen goods are traded openly. He appealed to the state government and private organizations to acquire the land for constructing a secondary school, citing the negative impact on the community’s future.
“The security situation here is so porous that even in Marine Beach, Gidan Drama remains a nightmare. Criminals find protection, making arrests difficult. Our children’s future is at risk,” Saliu said. He recounted that three LCDA staff members were recently arrested during an intelligence visit to the area and had to be released after intervention.
In response, Lt Col Musa Yahaya, spokesperson for the 81 Division, said the claims would be investigated but requested clarity on which branch of the military was allegedly involved, noting that the Nigerian military is a large organization comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Meanwhile, Adedoyin Adesina, CEO of the Corona Schools Trust Council, highlighted the organization’s efforts to tackle out-of-school children. She revealed that 75 children were enrolled in schools in the Ago-Egan community of Bariga LCDA over three years, with plans to replicate the initiative in Gangare, Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.
