NDLEA Uncovers Cocaine Concealed in Palm Kernel Oil Cans, Arrests Kingpin in Lagos

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate that concealed cocaine in tins of palm kernel oil for export to the United Kingdom, leading to the arrest of a suspected kingpin in Lagos.

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Sunday, said the operation, lasted three weeks, began on March 11, 2026, when NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted 3.1 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in tins of palm kernel extract at the export shed.

He revealed that two suspects, Idris Amoo and Akinlami Adedoyin, were arrested in connection with the shipment.

He said a follow-up sting operation on April 2 led to the arrest of the sender, Ezemuwo Joel, who was operating under a false identity, noting that his arrest exposed the leader of the syndicate, identified as King Arinze, 52, who was subsequently apprehended at his hideout in the Isolo area of Lagos.

Babafemi said NDLEA operatives later raided his warehouse in Bucknor, Isolo, where they recovered 886 tins prepared for drug concealment, along with industrial tools including a sealing machine, tin openers, paint sprays, and 52 grammes of cannabis, with the suspect reportedly confessed to draining the oil from the tins to conceal cocaine.

In a separate operation in Borno State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 28-year-old woman, Aisha Adamu, alleged to be a supplier of illicit drugs to bandit groups operating across the North-East and parts of Chad. She was intercepted along Gamboru Ngala road with 4.3 kilogrammes of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis.

Meanwhile, a pastor of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Badagry, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, and his wife, Success Hodonu, were arrested at the Gbaji checkpoint in Lagos last Thursday with NDLEA officers recovering 11 kilogrammes of skunk concealed in hidden compartments of their vehicle.

Babafemi said their arrest followed the earlier apprehension of a suspected fake security agent, Sunday Samuel, who was intercepted at the same checkpoint last Monday with 24.5 kilogrammes of skunk.

In Adamawa State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck conveying 48,000 pills of tramadol along Namtari road in Yola South. The driver, Abdulaziz Korede, was arrested, while a subsequent operation led to the arrest of the intended recipient, Idris Adamu.

Babafemi said other operations across the country led to multiple arrests and seizures. In Osun State, a 60-year-old woman was arrested with 15 kilogrammes of skunk in Osogbo, while in Ondo State, operatives recovered 351 kilogrammes of skunk from a forest in Akure.

In Benue State, a 66-year-old suspect was arrested with 28,600 capsules of tramadol in Aliade, while in Edo State, NDLEA operatives recovered 1,378 kilogrammes of skunk from a warehouse in Egbanke community.

Similarly, in Oyo State, a suspected drug dealer, Ayantola Omodunmomi, was arrested in Ibadan, where 45.6 kilogrammes of skunk were recovered. The agency said she used her 11-year-old daughter to distribute illicit drugs.

The NDLEA also said its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign continued nationwide, with awareness programmes conducted in schools across Oyo, Lagos, Kano, Anambra, and Zamfara states.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended officers across various commands for the arrests and seizures.

He said: “These successful operations are a testament to the agency’s evolving intelligence capabilities and our unwavering commitment to choking the supply lines of drug cartels.”

NDLEA Uncovers Cocaine Concealed in Palm Kernel Oil Cans, Arrests Kingpin in Lagos

Easter: Araraume Urges Nigerians to Embrace Sacrifice, Hope, Prays for Tinubu

By: Michael Mike

Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has called on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, forgiveness, and renewed hope as Christians across the country celebrate Easter.

In a message to mark the occasion, Araraume described Easter as a powerful reminder that adversity is temporary and that brighter days lie ahead. He said the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises victory over hardship and offers a message of hope for Nigeria’s future.

According to him, “Easter is not merely a festival; it is a spiritual declaration that darkness does not have the final word. As Christ rose triumphantly on the third day, I believe Nigeria, too, is rising from every challenge to meet her God-ordained destiny.”

The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress also offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a courageous leader navigating the country through difficult but necessary reforms.

Araraume prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and protection for the President, expressing hope that his efforts would yield lasting benefits for future generations.

He further commended Tinubu’s reform agenda, noting that although current policies may require sacrifices from citizens, they are essential for achieving long-term peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

“These are not easy times, but great nations are forged in the furnace of difficult decisions. I urge all Nigerians, irrespective of political or religious differences, to support the administration with patience and prayers,” he said.

The former Imo governorship candidate also encouraged citizens to demonstrate love and compassion, particularly towards the less privileged, grieving, and displaced persons. He stressed that the true essence of Easter lies in selfless giving and unity.

Araraume wished Christians a peaceful, joyful, and spiritually fulfilling Easter celebration.

Easter: Araraume Urges Nigerians to Embrace Sacrifice, Hope, Prays for Tinubu

Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a routine patrol in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources said the arrest was made on April 3 at about 11:30 a.m. by troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurya.

The suspect was apprehended at Tungan Haki village and found in possession of one AK-47 rifle mounted with a magazine containing 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The sources disclosed that the suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that troops have continued to intensify patrols and surveillance operations across the area to curb criminal activities.

Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover rifle in Zamfara