NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in stockfish heads, arrests 80-year-old suspect, others nationwide

By: Zagazola Makama

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted a large consignment of cocaine concealed in imported dry stockfish heads and arrested a key member of an international drug trafficking syndicate operating across several countries, including India.

The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Babafemi said the seizure followed credible intelligence on trans-border criminal activities, which led to a coordinated sting operation by operatives of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Strategic Command at Ojo area of Lagos on March 19.

He said the operatives recovered 237 wraps of cocaine, weighing 5.80 kilograms, concealed inside stockfish heads locally known as “okporoko,” in three jumbo bags allegedly in possession of a 36-year-old suspect identified as Akputa Dickson Ejike.

According to him, the consignment was destined for Delhi, India.

Babafemi further stated that in a separate operation on March 25, NDLEA operatives at a courier company in Lagos intercepted two illicit consignments heading to the United Kingdom.

He said one of the consignments contained 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in automobile filters, while the second contained 40 ampoules of morphine sulphate and nine ampoules of fentanyl.

The NDLEA spokesperson added that operatives of the agency also arrested a suspected female drug baron, Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, 46, popularly known as “Iya Ghana,” during a raid at her residence in Yaba, Lagos, where 135 blocks of Ghana Loud, weighing 76.30 kilograms, were recovered.

He said another suspect, Anayo Lucky Ohabiro, 39, was arrested in Surulere, Lagos, with 78 blocks of the same substance weighing 41 kilograms.

Babafemi disclosed that in Ekiti State, an 80-year-old suspect, Oke Samuel, was arrested during a special raid at Erinmo road, Efon-Alaaye, with 2.2 kilograms of skunk and methamphetamine, while another suspect was arrested in Ondo State with 894.72 kilograms of skunk recovered from an uncompleted building.

He said further operations in Benue, Edo and Taraba States led to multiple seizures, including skunk, codeine-based syrup, and cannabis concealed in animal feed, with several suspects arrested.

Babafemi added that the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign also continued nationwide with sensitisation lectures in schools across Cross River, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano and Lagos States.

He commended NDLEA officers across the affected commands for the successful operations, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to balancing drug supply reduction with drug demand reduction efforts.

NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in stockfish heads, arrests 80-year-old suspect, others nationwide

Troops recover over 300 rustled livestock after clash between bandit factions

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN TANMA have recovered more than 300 rustled livestock following a confrontation involving rival bandit factions operating between Katsina and Kano states.

Sources said the development followed intelligence on movements of a faction loyal to a bandit leader identified as Muhammadu Filatan, allegedly heading towards Kano State after a clash with a rival group linked to Aleiro in Zamfara State.

The source disclosed that troops of 3 Brigade, deployed at Forward Operating Bases in Tsaure, Yanchibi, Yankwada and Lakwaya, conducted fighting patrols along the riverine boundary between Katsina and Kano states to intercept the fleeing group.

“At about 4:00 p.m., troops at FOB Tsaure made contact with armed bandits at the Gulbi–Goron Dutse axis in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, who were moving with a large herd of rustled livestock,” the source said.

He added that troops engaged the bandits in a firefight, forcing them to abandon the animals and flee towards Gidan Gora village in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“Following the encounter, troops recovered a total of 120 cows, 200 sheep, 39 goats and three donkeys,” he said.

According to the source, the recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to authorities in Shanono Local Government Area.

Troops recover over 300 rustled livestock after clash between bandit factions

Troops intercept vehicle, recover 850 litres of fuel in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected illegally supplied fuel and recovered large quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Sources said the operation was carried out at about 11:38 p.m. on March 27 by troops of 241 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jajimaji.

The source disclosed that the troops acted on credible intelligence regarding suspected illicit activities by some filling stations in the area.

“During the night patrol, troops intercepted a vehicle along the Karasuwa–Jajiri road, but the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting the troops,” the source said.

He added that a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 34 jerrycans of PMS, each containing 25 litres, amounting to about 850 litres.

According to him, troops immediately exploited the surrounding area in an attempt to apprehend the fleeing driver, but the effort was unsuccessful.

The source said the recovered items are in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to identify the filling stations allegedly involved and arrest those responsible.

Troops intercept vehicle, recover 850 litres of fuel in Yobe