Crime
Abuja Drug Crackdown: NDLEA Dismantles Major Bunks, Arrests 132, Seizes 220kg Illicit Drugs
Abuja Drug Crackdown: NDLEA Dismantles Major Bunks, Arrests 132, Seizes 220kg Illicit Drugs
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s anti-narcotics war recorded a major breakthrough in the Federal Capital Territory as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) dismantled multiple drug hubs across Abuja and its outskirts, arresting 132 suspects and recovering over 220 kilogrammes of illicit substances in a sweeping two-week offensive.
The operation, described as one of the most coordinated crackdowns in recent months, was executed between April 11 and 25 by operatives of the Agency’s Directorate of Operations and General Investigation in collaboration with the FCT Strategic Command.
According to a statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the clear out followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting entrenched drug networks fueling substance abuse and criminality in the nation’s capital.
He said the raids cut across some of Abuja’s most notorious hotspots, including Torabora Hills, Area 3, Gwarinpa, AYA, Durumi, Banex, Dei-Dei, Kubwa, Apo, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Wuse Zone 4, Garki Area 10, Jabi, and the Suleja axis, where heavily fortified drug joints and distribution points were uncovered and dismantled.
A breakdown of seizures revealed a dominant cache of 214.79 kilogrammes of skunk, alongside significant quantities of controlled and hard drugs, including Diazepam, Exol, Tramadol, Mogadon, Cocaine, Rohypnol, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, and bottles of codeine syrup—substances authorities said are widely abused and linked to rising cases of addiction and violent crime.
The agency disclosed that operatives encountered stiff resistance in parts of Durumi Area 1 and the Suleja market axis, where suspected traffickers attempted to repel the raids. However, the superior coordination and tactical response of NDLEA officers neutralized the threats and dismantled the networks without casualties.
Briefing the agency’s leadership, Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Sule Ningi, praised the discipline and professionalism of the operatives, stressing that sustained enforcement is critical to consolidating the gains achieved and preventing a resurgence of drug networks.
Reacting to the outcome, NDLEA Chairman, commended the officers involved and described the operation as a decisive step toward reclaiming Abuja from the grip of drug syndicates. He ordered the immediate replication of the operational strategy across other high-risk urban centres, signaling a broader national offensive against illicit drug trade.
Marwa emphasized that dismantling supply chains must go hand in hand with efforts to reduce demand, warning that drug cartels would continue to face sustained pressure as the agency intensifies its nationwide crackdown.
The latest operation underscores growing urgency by authorities to confront Nigeria’s deepening drug problem, with Abuja increasingly identified as a strategic hub for distribution networks.
Abuja Drug Crackdown: NDLEA Dismantles Major Bunks, Arrests 132, Seizes 220kg Illicit Drugs
Troops recover 42 rustled cattle, return them to owner in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered 42 cattle rustled by suspected criminals in the Jwak Maitumbi-Sarbot general area of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops responded at about 1:32 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2026, following reports of sporadic shootings by suspected cattle rustlers in the area.
The troops launched a pursuit on two fronts along the suspected escape routes of the criminals.
Faced with pressure from the troops, the rustlers abandoned the cattle and fled towards the Sabon Gari general area.
The troops subsequently recovered all 42 cattle.
Further investigation established that the cattle belonged to Alhaji Hussaini Sale of Dorowa Babuje. The troops contacted him and formally handed over the 42 cattle to him.
The successful recovery underscores the troops’ continued efforts to protect rural communities and prevent cattle rustling in the area.
Troops recover 42 rustled cattle, return them to owner in Plateau
Troops arrest soldier, recover 69 rounds of ammunition in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested a serving soldier and recovered ammunition and other military items during a stop-and-search operation at Babale Checkpoint in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The soldier, identified as 13NA/70/8069 Corporal Legedu Denebari, is serving with 109 Special Forces Battalion, Magumeri, Borno State, under Operation HADIN KAI.
He was arrested at about 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2026, during routine security checks at the checkpoint.
Items recovered from the soldier included one magazine, 69 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm Special ammunition, two Strike Force ballistic plates, two jack knives, one mobile phone, one power bank, one helmet, a Nigerian Army identity card and two pairs of camouflage uniforms.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on pass from his unit to Rivers State with effect from Sept. 2, 2026.
The soldier and the recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the movement and possession of the ammunition and other military equipment.
The development underscores the importance of ongoing stop-and-search operations by security forces to prevent the unauthorised movement of arms, ammunition and military equipment across the Joint Operations Area.
Troops arrest soldier, recover 69 rounds of ammunition in Plateau
Troops arrest four suspected motorcycle thieves, recover weapons in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have arrested four suspected motorcycle thieves and recovered three motorcycles and weapons during an operation in Exland Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 1, following a report on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers operating in the area.
Sources said that the troops of Sub-Sector 41 deployed in Exland responded to the report and arrested four suspects at the location.
The suspects were identified as Yusuf Tahiru, 25; Ayuba Aliyu, 23; Anas Usman, 20, also known as “Kurra Berom”; and Ibrahim Muhammad, 20.
Following the arrests, troops conducted a cordon-and-search operation within the suspected area of activity and recovered three motorcycles believed to be connected to the suspects.
The troops also recovered one locally fabricated firearm, one cutlass and one knife during the operation.
The suspects and recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to tackle criminal activities, including motorcycle theft and armed crime, and strengthen security across communities in Plateau State.
Troops arrest four suspected motorcycle thieves, recover weapons in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member with gunshot wound in Borno
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