NDLEA Arrests Another Mexican Drug Kingpin, Dismantles Ebonyi Meth Lab

…Marwa vows Nigeria will not become safe haven for transnational cartels

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Mexican methamphetamine kingpin attempting to flee Nigeria and dismantled another industrial-scale clandestine laboratory, exposing an expanding international network seeking to establish drug production facilities in the country’s forests and rural communities.

The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Arturo Carrera Loaiza, was arrested by NDLEA operatives on August 19, 2026, while attempting to leave Nigeria through the Lagos airport.

According to The breakthrough followed a painstaking investigation into a network linked to methamphetamine laboratories uncovered in Ogun and Oyo states, which subsequently led investigators to a property in Ebonyi State where laboratory equipment and precursor chemicals were allegedly moved under cover of darkness.

Briefing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), represented by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the latest operation demonstrated the agency’s growing intelligence and forensic capacity to dismantle sophisticated transnational drug syndicates.

Marwa said the arrest of Loaiza and the dismantling of the Ebonyi facility came after operatives established that a Mexican methamphetamine expert arrested at a forest laboratory in Oyo State had been recruited into Nigeria by the kingpin.

The NDLEA had earlier arrested three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerian collaborators at a forest hideout in Ogun State on May 16. On June 17, operatives also arrested another Mexican national and four Nigerian collaborators at a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory concealed in a forested area of Tapa village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Investigations by the agency’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) into the Oyo operation led to the identification of Loaiza as the alleged recruiter of the Mexican national arrested at the forest laboratory.

According to the agency, the suspect positively identified Loaiza from a photograph obtained by investigators working with international partners. Intelligence also showed that Loaiza entered Nigeria on June 10 alongside another Mexican national, Jose Ceballos Perez.

Although Loaiza allegedly claimed during interrogation that he had been invited into Nigeria by a Nigerian contact known only as “Henry” for a restaurant business venture, the NDLEA said forensic evidence contradicted his account.

Investigators reportedly recovered images of Loaiza wearing a blue laboratory coat and standing amid equipment consistent with methamphetamine production. Location metadata embedded in the images led operatives to a property under construction at Isiata Ugoni Okposi, Ebonyi State.

A raid on the property on August 30, linked to one John Okike, uncovered evidence suggesting that a temporary structure had been erected over the septic tank area at the rear of the building. Interviews with the site engineer and caretaker also revealed persistent strong chemical odours emanating from the premises.

Babafemi said that the investigation took a decisive turn after operatives recovered a CCTV memory card from the property. Forensic analysis allegedly showed a foreign national in a blue laboratory coat matching Loaiza’s image, as well as repeated appearances by Okike.

He revealed that the footage also captured, at about 9 p.m. on August 21, the movement of chemicals and laboratory equipment from the property, with Okike allegedly directing the operation alongside other persons assisting in the relocation.

The spokesman said acting on intelligence from a confidential source, NDLEA operatives traced the relocated materials to an isolated house in a neighbouring community, allegedly under the custody of one Nwanja Obasi.

He said the raid on the location led to the recovery of a substantial cache of methamphetamine-related chemicals, equipment and paraphernalia, including a dehydrator containing a white cloth sieve embedded with loose methamphetamine and three additional empty dehydrators.

The agency also recovered 442.8 kilogrammes of acetone, 37.1 kilogrammes of toluene, a 20-kilogramme mixture of acetone and bromobenzene, 1.7 kilogrammes of ethanol, 5.1 kilogrammes of chloride salt, 31.5 kilogrammes of hydrochloric acid, 200 kilogrammes of P2B and one kilogramme of tartaric acid.

Other items recovered included condensing units, a condenser head, a condenser, a fabricated reaction pot, an access pump, weighing scales, mixers, drums, gas burners, gloves and a blue laboratory coat matching the one recovered at the Okike property.

The NDLEA said the recovery, when considered alongside the CCTV footage, forensic findings and eyewitness accounts, had significantly strengthened the case against persons linked to the network.

Issuing a stern warning to international drug cartels, Marwa said Nigeria would not be allowed to become a base for criminal syndicates seeking to relocate their laboratories from other jurisdictions.

“Let me be unequivocal, Nigeria will not be allowed to become a haven for transnational drug cartels seeking to relocate their laboratories from other jurisdictions into our forests and rural communities,” he said.

According to him, the arrest of Loaiza and the dismantling of the Ebonyi facility, coming shortly after the Ogun and Oyo operations, showed that the agency’s intelligence and forensic capabilities were capable of matching the sophistication of international drug syndicates.

Marwa commended officers of the Special Operations Unit, Strike Force, Forensics and the Oyo, Ogun and Ebonyi State Commands for their diligence, professionalism and courage.

He vowed that the agency would continue to pursue every lead until the full network, including its financiers and local enablers, was brought to justice.

The NDLEA also urged Nigerians, particularly residents of rural and forested communities, to report suspicious activities, unusual chemical odours and unfamiliar structures through its toll-free line, 080010203040, or by email at info@ndlea.gov.ng.

NDLEA Arrests Another Mexican Drug Kingpin, Dismantles Ebonyi Meth Lab

MACBAN condemns killing of travellers in Plateau, warns against unverified allegations

By: Zagazola Makama

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau State Chapter, has condemned the killing of travellers in Jos South Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as senseless and unacceptable.

The association also warned against what it described as the growing practice of blaming the Fulani community for violent incidents without credible evidence or the conclusion of investigations by security agencies.

In a statement signed by its Plateau State Chairman, Alh. Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, MACBAN expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.

The association said the loss of innocent lives was deeply disturbing and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough, professional and impartial investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

MACBAN said it was particularly concerned about what it described as premature accusations against the Fulani community, warning that such claims could further inflame tensions in the state.

“There is no basis for anyone to attribute this unfortunate incident to the Fulani community without evidence,” the association said.

It urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information, false accusations and hate speech capable of escalating the situation.

The association further called on anyone deliberately circulating false information or defamatory allegations against the Fulani community to desist, warning that such actions could attract legal consequences.

MACBAN reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation with security agencies, urging residents to remain calm and allow authorities to complete their investigations without interference.

The statement comes amid heightened concerns over attacks on travellers and renewed tensions between communities in Plateau State.

MACBAN condemns killing of travellers in Plateau, warns against unverified allegations

COAS charges Plateau troops to sustain security gains, strengthen peace efforts

By: Zagazola Makama

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) to sustain pressure on criminal elements and strengthen efforts to consolidate peace and stability in Plateau State.

Shaibu gave the charge on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, during an operational visit to the headquarters of 3 Division and OPEP, where he reviewed the security situation, ongoing operations and measures to protect vulnerable communities.

During the visit, the COAS inspected the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Control Station, a facility expected to boost the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities when completed.

The system is also expected to provide commanders with improved real-time situational awareness and timely intelligence to support operational decision-making.

The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPEP, Maj. Gen. Maxwell Dangana, briefed the COAS on security developments within the Division’s area of responsibility, including ongoing operations and engagements with stakeholders aimed at preventing violence and sustaining peace.

Shaibu commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty, urging them to remain vigilant and disciplined while maintaining close cooperation with other security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders.

He stressed that military operations must be complemented by dialogue, reconciliation and other peace-building initiatives to prevent criminal elements from undermining the gains recorded in the state.

The COAS directed the troops to respond decisively to security threats while maintaining professionalism and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens.

He assured the personnel of continued support from the Nigerian Army and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and creating an environment where communities can live and pursue their legitimate livelihoods without fear.

Shaibu also called on residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that sustainable peace in Plateau requires collective responsibility among security forces, government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.

COAS charges Plateau troops to sustain security gains, strengthen peace efforts