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
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue victim in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Division Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued a civilian in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred in the early hours of April 26 at about 3:00 a.m., when troops on night patrol at Sanga responded to reports of sporadic gunshots along Ungwan Mohammadu village road.
The sources said the troops swiftly moved to the scene and made contact with suspected kidnappers, engaging them in a firefight that forced the criminals to flee.
According to the sources, one civilian who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident was rescued by the troops.
The victim was immediately evacuated to Confidence Hospital in Fadan Karshi for medical attention and is currently receiving treatment.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and are conducting follow-up operations to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue victim in Kaduna
Troops arrest 10 suspects in Benue offensive operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested 10 suspected terrorists during an offensive operation in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was carried out in the early hours of April 25 at about 12:01 a.m. by troops deployed at Kyado.
The sources said the troops conducted a targeted offensive on a suspected terrorist enclave in the area, leading to the arrest of the 10 suspects.
According to the sources, the suspects were apprehended without incident and are currently in military custody for further investigation.
They added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and restore security in parts of Benue State.
The sources assured that troops will continue sustained offensive actions to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops arrest 10 suspects in Benue offensive operation
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected spy and neutralised two terrorists in separate operations in Borno State, as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East theatre.
According to sources, the troops of 198 Special Forces Battalion apprehended a suspected spy on 25 April 2026 at about 21:40 hours while conducting surveillance operations along a parapet area within their operational environment.
The suspect was reportedly observed through while conducting reconnaissance on troop dispositions before attempting to conceal himself in nearby shrubs.
The sources stated that troops on standing patrol swiftly moved in and arrested the suspect, who could not provide any identification details and declined to give information during preliminary questioning.
He is currently in custody for further interrogation to determine his motive and possible links to hostile elements operating in the area.
In a separate development within the same theatre, troops also repelled an attempted infiltration by terrorists around Buratai District in Biu Local Government Area.
The encounter, which occurred late on 25 April 2026, resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists, with troops recovering a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition after the attackers were forced to withdraw in disarray.
Military authorities noted that the general security situation remains fluid but under close monitoring, while reaffirming that troops’ morale and operational effectiveness remain high as counter-terrorism operations continue across the region.
Troops Arrest Suspected Spy in Borno, Neutralise Terrorists in Separate Encounter
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue victim in Kaduna
Troops arrest 10 suspects in Benue offensive operation
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