The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO), on Wednesday said it had uncovered 124 bags of suspected Indian hemp weeds after an operation in Maiduguri.
The JTF spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, said this in a statement in Maiduguri.
Musa said the weeds were concealed in the premises of a church in Pompomari, Maiduguri.
“Based on information, the JTF on July 10, raided the premises of the Celestial Church of Christ
at the House of Assembly quarters in Pompomari.
“The raid led to the discovery and seizure of 124 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp.
“The weeds were packed in three rooms at the premises of the church,” he said.
Musa said that a pastor in the church was arrested for questioning.
“The pastor of the church, admitted knowledge of the contents of the bags and confessed that the items were brought in from Ondo for safe keep by a member of the church, one Segun Oni.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the church has not been active for some time now.
“It has been used as a safe haven for Indian hemp business from where some unidentified partners distribute the products to their customers,”
he said.
Meanwhile the JTF has relaxed its 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew in Maiduguri following improved security situation.
Musa said in a statement that the curfew had been shifted to between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.
“The JTF has observed tremendous improvements in the security situation in Borno State. For this reason, it is expedient to review the curfew timing in the state.
“The curfew is hereby extended from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily,” he said.(NAN)