Operatives of the Ojo Division of the Lagos State Police Command have recovered a Toyota Sienna vehicle loaded with items suspected to be cannabis and other incriminating exhibits, following a routine stop-and-search operation. The dramatic incident unfolded on Friday, August 15, 2025, along a busy axis in Ojo, Lagos, and has once again highlighted the growing challenge of illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
According to police reports, officers on routine patrol flagged down an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna for a standard search and documentation check. However, in a surprising twist, the driver suddenly jumped out of the car, fled the scene on foot, and escaped with the vehicle’s ignition key, abandoning the Sienna in the process.
The police operatives, undeterred by the suspect’s sudden escape, immediately secured the vehicle and conducted a thorough search.
Inside the vehicle, officers discovered an Army jungle hat, two ATM cards, and two large bags containing substances suspected to be cannabis. The exhibits, alongside the vehicle, have since been transferred to the Special Squad 2 of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, for further investigation and analysis.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the alertness of the Ojo Division officers, describing the interception as a major boost in the Command’s efforts to curb drug-related crimes in the state.
In a statement issued through the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Commissioner assured Lagosians that a manhunt for the fleeing suspect has been launched and that no stone will be left unturned in unraveling the source and destination of the seized substances.
“Efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the fleeing suspect. The Command remains resolute in deploying intelligence-led operations and routine patrols to combat criminal activities, including drug trafficking, in Lagos State,” CP Jimoh said.
He further urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to the Police.
The recovery of cannabis from the intercepted Sienna underscores a growing concern over the use of private and commercial vehicles in the transportation of illicit substances across Lagos and other parts of the country.
Cannabis, locally referred to as igbo, is one of the most trafficked narcotics in Nigeria. Despite its illegality under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, its cultivation, trade, and use remain widespread, fueling criminal networks and posing threats to public safety.
Security analysts note that the Lagos metropolis, with its dense population, seaports, and expansive road networks, is often exploited by drug traffickers as a transit and distribution hub. In recent years, law enforcement agencies have intercepted several large consignments of cannabis, including truckloads destined for Lagos markets and smaller quantities hidden in vehicles like taxis and buses.
This latest recovery by the Police aligns with the broader war on drugs led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which has consistently warned of the dangers posed by drug abuse and trafficking to Nigeria’s stability.
Between 2021 and 2024, NDLEA reported seizing over 6 million kilograms of illicit drugs nationwide, with Lagos ranking among the top states for drug-related arrests. The agency has also emphasized the nexus between drug trafficking and other violent crimes, including cultism, armed robbery, and banditry.
Analysts warn that the easy availability of cannabis and other illicit substances in Lagos continues to fuel youth addiction and criminality. Communities across the state have repeatedly raised concerns about open drug use in motor parks, uncompleted buildings, and street corners, despite police and NDLEA raids.
The recovery of cannabis hidden in a Sienna—a popular family and commercial vehicle—highlights the ingenuity of traffickers and the need for enhanced policing strategies.
While assuring Lagos residents of the Police Command’s resolve, CSP Hundeyin reiterated that security operatives are working closely with other agencies, including NDLEA, to dismantle trafficking networks.
“The Command will not relent in the fight against crime. We urge members of the public to continue to partner with us by providing useful information. Together, we can make Lagos safer for all,” Hundeyin said.
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The Ojo Sienna recovery adds to a growing list of successful police operations in Lagos aimed at curbing drug trafficking. Although the fleeing suspect remains at large, police authorities have vowed to pursue him and unravel the full syndicate behind the operation.
As Lagos continues to battle crime on multiple fronts, the latest seizure is a reminder of the critical role of community vigilance, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration in securing Nigeria’s busiest state
