The Nigerian Army’s 81 Division said Sunday it would investigate allegations that some military officers were shielding drug peddlers in the Apapa-Iganmu area of Lagos State.
The statement followed accusations by the chairman of the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Jimoh Saliu, who alleged that senior military officers were protecting illicit drug operators in parts of the community.
In a statement, Saliu said an area known as Gidan Drama, located in the Marine Beach community of Apapa near the Tego Army Barracks, had become a hub for drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
He described the location as a hideout for notorious criminals, alleging that the sale of illicit drugs and stolen goods was openly carried out there.
Saliu made the comments while speaking at an event marking the 70th anniversary of the Corona Schools Trust Council at St. Theresa Nursery and Primary School, Marine Beach. He urged the Lagos State government and private organisations to acquire the area for the construction of a secondary school.
“The security situation in the LCDA is so bad and porous that there is a place called Gidan Drama, which is a nightmare to our existence,” Saliu said. He alleged that suspected criminals fled to the area after committing crimes and were shielded from arrest by some military and police officers.
He said three staff members of the local council were arrested two weeks ago and taken to the Naval Dockyard while on what he described as an intelligence visit to the area, adding that they were later released after intervention.
Saliu warned that continued criminal activity posed a threat to the future of children in the community, noting that despite the presence of wealthy residents, investment in development and education remained limited.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, said the allegations required clarification and investigation.
“When you say ‘military,’ you are referring to the Army, Navy and Air Force,” Yahaya said. “I speak for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army. Issues like this require investigation before any response.”
He said the division would make inquiries into the claims.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corona Schools Trust Council, Adedoyin Adesina, said the organisation remained committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children through sustained investment in education.
