The Nigerian Army’s 81 Division says it will investigate claims by an LCDA chairman that security personnel are shielding drug peddlers operating near an army barracks in Apapa, Lagos.

The Nigerian Army’s 81 Division has said it will investigate allegations that some military officers are protecting illicit drug peddlers in the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.

The assurance follows claims by the chairman of the LCDA, Jimoh Saliu, who accused top military officers of shielding drug dealers operating in the area.

In a statement, Saliu alleged that a location known as Gidan Drama, situated within the Marine Beach community of Apapa and close to the Tego Army Barracks, serves as a hideout for illicit drug activities and other criminal operations.

According to the council chairman, the area has become a major security concern for residents, with various criminal activities allegedly being perpetrated there.

“The security situation in the LCDA is so bad that even here in Marine Beach, there is a place called Gidan Drama, which is a nightmare for our existence,” Saliu said.

He added that efforts by law enforcement agencies to apprehend suspects have been frustrated.

“If you go there now, you will find top military and police officers making it difficult to arrest drug peddlers and other criminal elements operating in the area. When they commit crimes, they run into the place and are protected, and arrest is prevented,” he alleged.

Saliu also called on the Lagos State Government and relevant organisations to acquire the area for the construction of a secondary school, which he said would help curb criminal activities.

Reacting to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, said the claims would be investigated.

However, Yahaya noted that the council chairman needed to be specific about which arm of the military or personnel were involved to enable a thorough and effective investigation.