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

Security Forces Arrest Three Suspected Lakurawa Bandits, Recover Arms in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives have arrested three suspected members of a banditry syndicate and recovered arms and ammunition in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the suspects were apprehended at about 10:00 a.m. on April 29 along the Tangaza–Gidan Madi road following credible intelligence on a planned attack within the area.

The sources identified the suspects as Aliyu Bello, 30; Dahiru Umar, 25; and Bashar Isah, 29, all natives of Kwazari village in Kware Local Government Area.

According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while riding on a motorcycle and were found to be members of a syndicate involved in kidnapping and imposing levies on communities.

Items recovered from them include a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, two Dane guns, two cartridges of 32g calibre and assorted charms.

The sources added that the suspects concealed the weapons in a sack hidden within another bag to evade detection.

They said investigations were ongoing to unravel the network and prevent further criminal activities in the area.

Security Forces Arrest Three Suspected Lakurawa Bandits, Recover Arms in Sokoto

Troops Neutralise Five Terrorists in Ambush Operation in North-East

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, have neutralised five suspected terrorists during a successful ambush operation conducted in Borno State.

Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out on April 29 by troops deployed at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Mayanti area, as part of ongoing offensive operations under Operation Desert Sanity.

According to the sources, the troops had laid an ambush at a strategic location based on credible intelligence before coming into contact with a group of insurgents later in the evening.

“The troops engaged the terrorists effectively upon contact, resulting in the neutralisation of five of them,” the source said.

Items recovered from the scene include two bicycles, fabric materials and food supplies, believed to have been used for logistics by the fleeing insurgents.

The troops have since redeployed to another tactical position to continue offensive operations and deny the terrorists freedom of movement within the area.

Military authorities said the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain high, as operations continue to sustain pressure on insurgent elements across the North-East theatre.

Operation HADIN KAI has in recent months intensified clearance and ambush operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring normalcy to affected communities in the region.

Troops Neutralise Five Terrorists in Ambush Operation in North-East