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25 years after first forensic lab in Lagos, NDLEA gets two more in Abuja and Enugu
25 years after first forensic lab in Lagos, NDLEA gets two more in Abuja and Enugu
By: Michael Mike
After over 25 years of conducting forensic analysis in a single laboratory facility in Lagos, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has established two new laboratories and upgraded the existing one to enhance accessibility, expedite timely analysis, and prosecute cases efficiently following a surge in drug seizures over the past months.
The two additional laboratories built in Abuja and Enugu, according to a statement on Monday by the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi are strategically located and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety protocols, as well as ensuring a safe working environment.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said “the newly constructed laboratories will enable us to enhance our forensic analysis capabilities, increase our capacity to process cases efficiently and strengthen our fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.”
He noted that while the two new facilities were set to commence operations, the existing one in Lagos has undergone a comprehensive renovation and refurbishment, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility. “This project was made possible through the sponsorship of the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)”, he stated.
Babafemi said beside equipping the laboratories with additional cutting-edge analytical instruments, the agency in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), has conducted the training and certification of 20 NDLEA forensic analysts, meant to empower them to sign off on drug analysis reports, thereby enhancing the agency’s forensic capabilities.
He noted that this is in addition to the implementation of robust quality control measures, following the agency’s successful participation in three rounds of the UNODC International Collaborative Exercise (ICE) programme, which is an important part of International Quality Assurance Programme (IQAP) to ensure quality management systems, accuracy and reliability of results.
While commending the officers, men and women of the agency’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for working with him to break the over 25 years jinx, Marwa said the milestone achieved in the area of forensic analysis is borne out of his commitment to equipping the laboratories with state-of-the-art instruments and developing the expertise of the agency’s personnel to ensure accurate and reliable forensic analysis, research methodologies and tackling the challenges posed by emerging New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
“The newly constructed drug laboratories and renovated facilities mark a significant milestone in the Agency’s history, and we are delighted about this achievement”, Marwa added.
Meanwhile, the US-INL has donated a new advanced equipment to the agency to enhance the operations of the NDLEA forensic lab in Lagos. The handover of the spectroscopy device was done by the Director of INL in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley who commended the collaboration between NDLEA and the INL. She said the donated equipment will enhance the agency’s capacity to detect and analyse suspicious substances.
A team of top officials of the agency who received the US delegation and the equipment at the Ikoyi Lagos headquarters annex of NDLEA was led by the Director, Seaport Operations, DCGN Omolade Faboyede. Others include the Director, Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, ACGN Patricia Afolabi; Deputy Director Media and Advocacy, ACGN Rita Geh Okpere; Head, Special Operations Unit, ACGN Akinola Idowu Grace and Commander, Lagos State Strategic Command of the agency, CN Abubakar Liman Wali, among others.
25 years after first forensic lab in Lagos, NDLEA gets two more in Abuja and Enugu
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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