Crime
NDLEA busts illicit drug warehouse, recovers N6.7 billion opioids, arrests baron, 5 others
NDLEA busts illicit drug warehouse, recovers N6.7 billion opioids, arrests baron, 5 others
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed a drug cartel led by alleged baron, Onyekachi Nwanagu.
A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday said the drug baron was arrested with five members of his gang with illicit substances worth over N6.7 billion recovered from the cartel’s secret warehouse in a residential estate in Lagos.
Babafemi, said following credible intelligence that the drug trafficking organisation (DTO) was about distributing over 7.2 million pills of tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million mls) of codeine syrup warehoused in a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos state, ahead of the Christmas festive season, officers of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA led a well coordinated operation between Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th November 2025 to round up members of the syndicate and dismantle their criminal network.
He said two members of the DTO: Egbo Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel were trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos on Wednesday 19th November while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.
He noted that a follow up operation to the syndicate’s warehouse at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor the following day Thursday 20th November led to the arrest of Onyekachi Nwanagu and other members of his syndicate including: Nwoye Ali; Nnacho Ogochukwu; and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka.
Babafemi said in all, a total of 7,272,000 pills of tramadol 225mg worth N3,960,000,000 and 53 million mills of codeine syrup valued at over N2,762,550,000, bringing the combined value of the seized drugs to N6,722,550,000.00 only in street value were recovered and moved out of the estate in eleven trucks to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.
Meanwhile, while commending the Commander and operatives of the Special Operations Unit as well as those of Strike Force Unit involved in the dismantling of the syndicate, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) praised the officers’ professionalism and dedication, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to the cartels preying on Nigeria’s youth.
He said: “This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement. The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He emphasized that the agency’s focus remains squarely on the kingpins and financiers of the illicit drug trade. “The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are.”
NDLEA busts illicit drug warehouse, recovers N6.7 billion opioids, arrests baron, 5 others
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled simultaneous attacks by ISWAP terrorists on Jihuhi and Harang villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving one person dead.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Jan. 27 at about 1630 hours, the terrorists invaded the villages, firing indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.
The attack fatally injured Adamu Inusa, also known as Daddy, 35, a member of the Hunters Group in Hawul.
He was evacuated to General Hospital Hawul, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary and will be released to his family for Islamic burial after clearance operations in the affected communities.
A combined team of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, police tactical units, and local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters groups responded promptly, engaging the terrorists and successfully repelling the attack.
The area remains under close monitoring as security forces continue clearance and patrol operations.
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Bandit attack in Zamfara leaves three abducted, immigration officer injured
By Zagazola Makama
A banditry attack in Damba Local Government Area of Zamfara State left three people abducted and an immigration officer injured, authorities confirmed.
A source said on Jan. 28 at about 12:30 a.m., a group of armed men, suspected to be bandits, launched an attack on a rented accommodation adjacent to the Federal College of Education, Technical (FCET), Gusau, firing sporadically.
During the raid, Insp. Gabriel Abah of the Immigration Service was shot, sustaining a fractured leg. Security forces swiftly responded, engaging the assailants and recovering a G3 rifle and one round of G3 ammunition.
“The injured officer is receiving medical treatment, while efforts continue to locate and rescue the abducted victims,” the source said.
The incident remains under investigation, and security agencies are pursuing the perpetrators.
Bandit attack in Zamfara leaves three abducted, immigration officer injured
Troops, police rescue eight kidnap victims in Kaduna forest
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Sector 7 of Operation OPEP, in collaboration with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards and local hunters, have rescued eight kidnapped victims from Badurum Kasa Forest in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A security source told Zagazola Makama that the successful operation was carried out on Jan. 28 following actionable intelligence on the hideout of the kidnappers.
According to the source, the joint team mobilised at about 4:23 p.m. and advanced into the forest, where they made contact with the criminals around 5:59 p.m.
“On sighting the troops, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled in disarray into the surrounding bushes,” the source said.
The source added that all the victims were rescued unharmed and immediately evacuated from the forest.
Those rescued were identified as Mrs Rashida Musa, Mrs Hafsat Nuhu, Mr Zakari Saleh, Miss Hasiya Yahaya, Mr Ahmed Yahaya, Mr Ibrahim Saiba, Miss Salma Yahaya and Mr Sophan Idris.
“They were all successfully reunited with their families after medical checks and initial debriefing,” the source said.
The troops have commenced follow-up operations to exploit the area and track down the fleeing suspects.
Troops, police rescue eight kidnap victims in Kaduna forest
Bauchi Expands Health Partnerships to Tackle Diphtheria, Malnutrition, Records 95% Measles-Rubella Coverage
NSCDC Dismisses Claims of Withheld Promotion Arrears, Reaffirms Commitment to Personnel Welfare
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI engage terrorists in dawn battles, neutralized several ISWAP fighters in Borno
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