Military officer, civilian driver allegedly linked to movement of cannabis from Lagos to Port Harcourt as Police begin investigation
Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested a serving military personnel and a civilian driver following the recovery of 248 packages of substances suspected to be cannabis, popularly referred to as “Scottish Loud,” during a highway patrol operation on the East-West Road.
The arrest was made in the early hours of September 6, 2026, according to a police situation report obtained by IBN NEWS.
The report stated that personnel attached to the Safer Highway Patrol were conducting intensive patrol operations at about 4:00 a.m. when they intercepted a blue Toyota Tacoma vehicle with registration number RSH 986 DN.
According to the police report, the vehicle was allegedly fitted with a siren which was reportedly being used to intimidate or bypass checkpoints along the route.
The vehicle was said to have been driven by a 51-year-old man identified as Felix Dickson, a native of Owhe Community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Police alleged that the driver was transporting five large bags containing 248 moulds or packages of suspected cannabis, reportedly from Lagos to Port Harcourt.
The development took a more serious turn after investigators allegedly linked a serving military officer to the movement of the suspected substance.
According to the situation report, the driver allegedly claimed during interrogation that he had been contracted by a 30-year-old Lieutenant identified as James Emmanuel, said to be attached to the Nigerian Navy.
The report alleged that the military personnel and the civilian driver were connected to the movement of the suspected cannabis from Lagos to Port Harcourt, where the substance was allegedly intended for distribution.
However, the allegations remain subject to further investigation, and the suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
The police report stated that the suspected drugs, vehicle and other items recovered during the operation were taken into custody alongside the suspects.
The case was subsequently handed over to the Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, for what the police described as discreet investigation.
The interception has raised fresh concerns over the alleged use of security connections, official influence and emergency-style vehicles to move suspected illegal substances across major highways.
The East-West Road is a major transport corridor linking several states in the South-South region and remains an important route for commercial and interstate movement.
According to the police situation report, the patrol team became suspicious after encountering the Toyota Tacoma during the early morning operation.
The report further alleged that the vehicle’s siren was being used in a manner capable of intimidating personnel at checkpoints.
While the full details of the investigation have yet to be made public, the alleged use of a vehicle fitted with a siren is expected to form part of the investigation.
The recovery of the suspected cannabis also brings renewed attention to the fight against drug trafficking and the movement of illicit substances across Nigeria’s highways.
Cannabis remains a controlled substance under Nigerian law, although law enforcement agencies must establish through investigation and forensic examination the exact nature and classification of substances recovered during criminal operations.
The substances recovered in this case have been described by police as cannabis suspected to be “Scottish Loud,” a term commonly used to describe a potent form of cannabis.
IBN NEWS understands that investigators will be expected to determine the source of the suspected drugs, their intended destination, the individuals allegedly involved and whether there are other persons connected to the movement.
The police investigation may also focus on how the vehicle was allegedly able to move with a siren and whether any attempt was made to use the identity or status of security personnel to avoid scrutiny.
The reported arrest of a serving military officer is particularly significant because members of the armed forces are expected to maintain strict discipline and uphold the law.
However, the allegations against the officer remain allegations at this stage, pending the outcome of police investigation and any subsequent action by relevant military authorities.
Neither the Nigerian Navy nor other relevant authorities had, at the time of filing this report, publicly released a detailed official statement on the specific allegations contained in the police situation report.
The police report alleged that the civilian driver admitted ownership of the suspected exhibits during interrogation.
That claim is also expected to be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Law enforcement authorities are likely to investigate whether the driver acted alone or was part of a wider network involved in the movement and distribution of suspected illicit substances between Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The recovery of 248 packages from the vehicle, if confirmed by investigators, would represent a significant seizure during the highway operation.
Security agencies across Nigeria have continued to intensify operations against drug trafficking, kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of organised crime.
Highway patrol operations have become increasingly important in the effort to intercept criminal suspects and prevent the movement of illegal items across state boundaries.
The Bayelsa operation comes amid growing concerns about the alleged movement of illicit drugs through major road networks connecting Lagos with states in the South-South and South-East regions.
The police have not yet disclosed whether further arrests are expected or whether investigators have identified other possible suspects linked to the alleged movement of the substances.
There was also no immediate public information on whether the vehicle involved belongs to any government agency, security institution or private individual.
Investigators are expected to examine the ownership and registration details of the Toyota Tacoma as part of the probe.
The case has now been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation, according to the police report.
The VCRU is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the interception, the alleged involvement of the suspects and the source and destination of the suspected cannabis.
Authorities may also examine communication records and other evidence recovered during the operation to establish whether the suspects were allegedly working with other individuals.
For now, the police situation report remains the primary account of the incident available to IBN NEWS.
The final outcome of the matter will depend on the findings of investigators, laboratory examination of the recovered substances and any legal proceedings that may follow.
The arrest has nevertheless sparked serious questions over the alleged involvement of security personnel in activities connected to suspected illicit drugs.
It also highlights the continued challenge faced by security agencies in monitoring the movement of suspicious vehicles and individuals across Nigeria’s major highways.
As the investigation continues, attention will remain on the Bayelsa State Police Command and relevant military authorities for further clarification on the identities, status and possible involvement of those arrested.
The police have not announced any formal charges against the suspects as of the time of filing this report.
IBN NEWS will continue to monitor the investigation and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
