Crime
Fentanyl: NDLEA busts lethal drug syndicate, arrests members in Anambra
Fentanyl: NDLEA busts lethal drug syndicate, arrests members in Anambra
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested members of a syndicate involved in the illicit importation and trafficking of lethal synthetic opioid, Fentanyl,
Fentanyl is a drug which is 100 times stronger than tramadol and capable of causing mass casualty among the youth population being targeted by the cartels.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the arrest of two members of the syndicate: Odoh Oguejiofor and Oliver Uzoma at Ogbogwu market, Onitsha Head Bridge, Onitsha South local government area of Anambra State, in well-coordinated and clinical operations, is coming on the heels of an alert issued by the NDLEA on 22nd November 2022 that some criminal elements were plotting to flood the Nigerian market with the drug, which is currently responsible for over 70% overdose deaths as well as a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States.
Babafemi recalled that the CDC in the US, had described Fentanyl as 80 times as potent as morphine and 100 times more potent than heroin.
The NDLEA Spokesman said following credible intelligence and synergy with local and international partners, the anti-narcotics agency was able to mobilise necessary assets to trace the illicitly manufactured drug to the Ogbogwu market, Onitsha Head Bridge, reputed to be the largest drug market in West Africa, after months of undercover monitoring.
He said convinced that the agency has gathered sufficient evidence to nail the suspects, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) ordered a deployment of operatives to pick members of the syndicate one after the other. Odoh Oguejiofor was the first to be arrested while on a business mission with packets of 100 micrograms of Fentanyl, while the arrest of Uzoma who is a major dealer in other illicitly manufactured pharmaceutical opioids including Fentanyl, followed.
He disclosed that packs of liquid Fentanyl were recovered from Odoh, different quantities of banned and controlled drugs including Fentanyl were seized from Uzoma. They include: ampules of Fentanyl Injection; Ozempic solution for injection in pre-filled pens; ampules of Sustanon 250mg/ml; ampules of Rivavirin injection 200mg/2ml; ampules of Erythropoietin injection; ampules of Recombinant Anti Rho-D Immunoglobulin injection 300MG; ampules of Pethidine 100mg/2ml solution for injection and Zoladex 3.6mg Goserelin.
Reacting to the arrest of members of the syndicate, Marwa commended all officers and men of the agency involved in the operation while directing them to intensify the crackdown on other members of the cartel who may have gone underground.
Marwa said: “We’ll no doubt hunt down every member of this criminal gang before they do further harm to our public health especially our youth population. In the meantime, I’ll like to thank our international partners for the huge confidence in us and their support and partnership for the benefit of humanity. In the same vein, I’ll urge parents and other stakeholders to be vigilant, alert and warn their young ones against attempting experimenting with this illicit substance.”
“The agency wishes to reiterate that exposure to this lethal opioid, which could come in different forms, as has been shown by the seizure, may result in pinpoint pupils, falling asleep or losing consciousness, slow and shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, limp body, and pale, blue, or cold skin,” Marwa explained.
Fentanyl: NDLEA busts lethal drug syndicate, arrests members in Anambra
One Killed, Two Injured in Communal Clash in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
One person has been confirmed dead while two others sustained injuries following a communal clash between Fulani and Gwari youths in Gambwa village via Fuka area of Niger State.
Security sources said the incident occurred on April 30 when youths from both communities engaged in a violent confrontation over a disputed piece of land.
The sources disclosed that the clash led to the burning of tents and dwelling houses, causing panic among residents.
According to the sources, three persons Safe Turaki, 45; Shuaibu Ahmadu, 25; and Nasiru Yahaya, 54 sustained varying degrees of injuries during the violence.
They added that the victims were rushed to Kafin Koro Hospital for treatment, where Shuaibu was treated and discharged, Nasiru is still receiving medical care, while Safe Turaki later died from injuries sustained.
The sources further said security operatives visited the scene, restored calm, and brought the situation under control.
They noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the violence, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the clash.
One Killed, Two Injured in Communal Clash in Niger
Troops Rescue Two Victims, Launch Manhunt After Bandits’ Attack on Katsina–Kaduna Border
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued two kidnapped victims and launched a manhunt for suspected bandits following an attack along Gadar Iya axis on the border between Katsina and Kaduna States.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on May 1 when heavily armed bandits blocked the road and abducted occupants of two vehicles a Mitsubishi Canter truck and a Toyota Corolla.
The sources disclosed that the attackers kidnapped about five unidentified occupants from the truck, along with six passengers from the Toyota Corolla identified as Isiya Abubakar, Sufiyanu Gide, Rabi Isiyaku, Harira Isiyaku, Jamila, and Maliki Muhammad.
According to the sources, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene, secured the area, and commenced aggressive clearance operations.
They added that during the operation, two victims Muhammad Sani, 60, from Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and Khadija Isiyaku, 25, from Keffi in Nasarawa State were successfully rescued.
The sources further said the affected vehicles were evacuated to a secure location, while ongoing cordon-and-search operations are aimed at rescuing the remaining victims and apprehending the fleeing suspects.
Security presence has been intensified along the axis to prevent further incidents.
Troops Rescue Two Victims, Launch Manhunt After Bandits’ Attack on Katsina–Kaduna Border
One Killed as Security Forces Repel Bandit Attack in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
A 21-year-old man, Musa Bashir, has been killed during a bandit attack on Unguwar Kanawa village in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:50 p.m. on May 1 when a large number of heavily armed bandits invaded the community.
The sources disclosed that security operatives, supported by military personnel and local security groups, were swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel.
According to the sources, the bandits were overpowered and forced to retreat into a nearby forest following the exchange.
They added that during a post-attack assessment, Musa Bashir was found fatally shot.
The sources further said the victim’s body was evacuated to the General Hospital in Dandume, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
Security teams have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, with intensified patrols ongoing in the area.
One Killed as Security Forces Repel Bandit Attack in Katsina
One Rescued, Bandit Killed as troops Repel Attack in Zamfara
One Killed, Two Injured in Communal Clash in Niger
Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover 27 Rustled Animals in Sokoto
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