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Billionaire Drug Baron, Two Female Kingpins Nabbed in Global Anti-Narcotics Sting

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Billionaire Drug Baron, Two Female Kingpins Nabbed in Global Anti-Narcotics Sting

By: Michael Mike

A sweeping international anti-drug operation involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and security agencies across Europe has led to the dismantling of a vast transnational drug money laundering syndicate allegedly linked to hundreds of billions of naira in illicit proceeds.

The coordinated crackdown resulted in the arrest of an alleged billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland alongside two suspected female collaborators identified as 34-year-old Jecinta Ikechi and 28-year-old Blessing Amadi, arrested in Anambra and Delta states respectively.

The operation, described by the NDLEA as one of its most significant international financial crime breakthroughs, followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations spanning multiple jurisdictions, including Switzerland, France, Greece and Nigeria.

According to a statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the syndicate operated an elaborate international network used to launder proceeds from narcotics trafficking and related financial crimes through shell companies, proxy accounts, cryptocurrency wallets and fronts spread across Europe and Nigeria.

Investigators said the suspects were apprehended during simultaneous operations carried out on April 28, 2026, by operatives of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit working closely with the U.S. DEA Lagos Country Office and other foreign law enforcement partners.

Beyond the arrests, authorities disclosed that several high-value assets linked to the cartel have been identified and traced both within and outside Nigeria.

Among the properties already linked to the network are Jovi Hotel located at Isiayei Street, GRA Phase 1, Asaba; Jovi Hotel and Suites situated along Orikeze Road in Agbor, Delta State; and Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja.

The NDLEA also confirmed that multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses allegedly used by the syndicate to conceal illicit funds running into hundreds of billions of naira have been identified and frozen as part of ongoing asset recovery measures.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), said the successful operation underscored the agency’s expanding global intelligence and enforcement collaboration aimed at dismantling international narcotics and financial crime networks.

Marwa declared that the operation sends a strong warning to drug traffickers and criminal financiers that Nigeria will no longer serve as a safe haven for illicit drug proceeds.

“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide,” he said.

He added that the agency’s achievements were built on “strategic partnership, unwavering integrity, and dedicated professionalism,” stressing that the NDLEA was determined to ensure that Nigeria neither becomes a refuge for drug traffickers nor a sanctuary for their criminal wealth.

The NDLEA boss also commended the support of the U.S. DEA and other international partners, noting that continued cooperation in intelligence sharing, tactical operations, evidence gathering and training has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s anti-narcotics enforcement capacity.

The latest breakthrough comes amid intensifying global efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks increasingly relying on cryptocurrency systems, cross-border financial channels and luxury real estate investments to conceal illicit proceeds.

Billionaire Drug Baron, Two Female Kingpins Nabbed in Global Anti-Narcotics Sting

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Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

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Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised a suspected terrorist scout during an ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military sources said the operation was carried out at about 10:15 p.m. on June 6 by troops of the 73 Battalion (Main) following intelligence reports indicating the presence and movement of suspected terrorists around Malari village.

According to the sources, the troops deployed to the area and laid an ambush after receiving information suggesting that insurgents were massing within the vicinity.

During the operation, the troops reportedly observed an individual suspected to be conducting reconnaissance approaching from the direction of Malari village.

The sources said the suspect was challenged and ordered to stop but allegedly continued advancing toward the troops’ position.

The troops subsequently engaged the suspect, who was neutralised during the encounter.

The operation forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts aimed at preventing attacks on military positions and communities within the North-East region.

Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert and are continuing surveillance and offensive operations across the area to deny insurgents freedom of movement.

Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 8 of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested a suspected kidnappers’ informant and recovered a pistol during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the suspect, identified as Yahaya Haruna, was arrested in the early hours of June 7 at Mungi village following intelligence linking him to criminal elements operating in the area.

According to the sources, troops of Sub-Sector 81 deployed at Gyambwas carried out the operation at about 12:15 a.m. after receiving credible information on the suspect’s alleged activities.

The sources said a search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of one pistol believed to be connected to criminal operations.

“Acting on intelligence, troops arrested the suspect and conducted a search of his house, during which one pistol was recovered,” the sources said.

They added that the suspect and the recovered weapon were taken into custody for further investigation.

Security officials said preliminary investigations were ongoing to establish the suspect’s alleged links with kidnapping syndicates and determine the source of the recovered firearm.

They noted that efforts were also being intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.

The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at disrupting kidnapping networks and dismantling criminal support structures across Plateau State.

Authorities urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

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Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders

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Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders

By: Zagazola Makama

The Malian government has announced financial rewards running into billions of CFA francs for information leading to the capture or neutralisation of some of the country’s most wanted terrorist leaders, as authorities intensify efforts to combat insurgency across the Sahel.

The move, approved under the leadership of military ruler Gen. Assimi Goïta, targets key figures accused of orchestrating attacks against civilians, security forces and state institutions.

According to official information reported by state media, a reward of two billion CFA francs has been placed on Iyad Ag Ghali, leader of the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), while a reward of 1.5 billion CFA francs has been offered for information leading to the capture of Amadou Koufa, a prominent militant commander associated with Katiba Macina.

Several other leaders of armed groups operating in Mali and the wider Sahel region are also covered by the reward scheme, with varying sums attached to them.

The Malian authorities said the rewards would be paid to individuals who provide credible information leading to the location, arrest or neutralisation of the wanted suspects. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security agencies by sharing relevant intelligence.

The announcement comes amid renewed military operations against jihadist groups in northern and central Mali, where insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have continued to launch attacks despite sustained counterterrorism campaigns.

Malian authorities have vowed to continue pursuing the leaders and support networks of armed groups until they are brought to justice.

Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders

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