NDLEA Busts Mega Nigerian-Mexican Meth Syndicate, Seizes N480bn Drugs in Largest Lab Raid Ever

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled what officials described as one of the most sophisticated transnational drug syndicates ever uncovered in Nigeria, arresting a notorious drug baron, three Mexican methamphetamine experts, and six Nigerian collaborators in a sweeping operation spanning Ogun and Lagos states.

The operation also led to the discovery and destruction of what the agency called the largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory ever found in the country, hidden deep inside a forest in Ijebu area of Ogun State.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, disclosed the details on Wednesday during a media briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, describing the raid as a major blow against transnational organised crime and illicit drug manufacturing networks operating in Nigeria.

According to Marwa, elite operatives from the agency’s Special Operations Unit executed coordinated strikes across Ogun and Lagos within 48 hours after months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

He said the primary target was a remote property located inside Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, allegedly operated by a drug trafficking organisation headed by suspected kingpin, Anochili Innocent.

Marwa revealed that operatives stormed the forest laboratory on May 16, catching members of the cartel while processing illicit substances.

Among those arrested were three Mexican nationals identified as methamphetamine production specialists allegedly brought into Nigeria to run the operation. They were named as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos.

Four Nigerian collaborators arrested at the laboratory were identified as Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor.

Simultaneously, another tactical team raided the Lekki residence of the alleged cartel leader at Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lagos, where Anochili was arrested.

Marwa said a search of the property uncovered the passports and mobile phones of the three Mexican suspects, linking the alleged drug baron directly to the importation and coordination of foreign methamphetamine specialists.

The NDLEA boss disclosed that follow-up operations on May 18 led operatives to another property linked to the suspect at Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, where another alleged syndicate member, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, was arrested.

Investigators also stormed the residence of another suspected collaborator, Emeka Nwobum, said to have operated a strategic stash house for the cartel.

The arrests brought the total number of suspects in custody to 10, including the kingpin, the Mexican specialists, and six Nigerian collaborators.

Marwa said the operation yielded an unprecedented 2,419.48 kilograms of chemical substances, including crystallised and liquid methamphetamine as well as dangerous precursor chemicals and industrial solvents.

He estimated the international street value of the seized narcotics at 362.9 million dollars, equivalent to over N480 billion.

According to him, the volume of drugs recovered represented millions of potential street doses capable of fueling addiction, violence, and organised crime across local and international markets.

The agency also recovered operational vehicles including a Toyota Tacoma allegedly used at the forest laboratory and a Toyota Highlander seized from the cartel leader’s residence.

Marwa warned that Nigeria would remain hostile territory for drug cartels and foreign criminal networks attempting to establish manufacturing bases in the country.

“We are fully aware of the shifting tactics of these cartels, including the disturbing trend of hiring South American cartel specialists to set up production factories in our rural communities,” he said.

“No matter how deep into the bush you hide, no matter how secure your gated estate is, the NDLEA will hunt you down, dismantle your network, and seize your illicit wealth.”

The NDLEA chairman also linked the latest operation to the recent takedown of another international drug trafficking network allegedly headed by Simon Amadi, saying the agency was intensifying cooperation with global law enforcement partners to combat organised narcotics operations.

He commended operatives of the Special Operations Unit and the agency’s chemical and forensic teams for what he described as exceptional professionalism and bravery during the operation.

Marwa also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, warning that the Ogun forest laboratory had operated under the guise of a legitimate farm.

NDLEA Busts Mega Nigerian-Mexican Meth Syndicate, Seizes N480bn Drugs in Largest Lab Raid Ever

U.S. to Deploy Wireless Technology to Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has announced plans to deepen the deployment of American wireless technology in West Africa, targeting underserved rural communities in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.

The agency said it is funding a feasibility study for the installation of about 1,500 turnkey mobile communications base stations using technology developed by Vanu Inc. as part of efforts to bridge the region’s digital connectivity gap and provide an alternative to Chinese-made telecommunications infrastructure that currently dominates the market.

According to the U.S. agency, the project is aimed at expanding trusted and secure broadband access to millions of people in off-grid and rural communities that still rely on outdated 2G and 3G networks or have no access at all.

Deputy Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Thomas R. Hardy, said the initiative would unlock affordable internet access while also creating export opportunities for American firms.

“USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa,” Hardy said.

“By helping American companies compete in these critical markets, we are offering an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that make America more prosperous.”

The study will be undertaken for Vanu Côte d’Ivoire, with Vernonburg Group LLC providing technical expertise to assess the commercial viability of the large-scale rollout and mobilise financing for implementation.

Officials said the assessment would examine existing telecommunications infrastructure, market conditions, regulatory frameworks and financing options across the four countries.

The proposed deployment is expected to create opportunities for the expansion of U.S.-made wireless solutions, digital infrastructure systems and network management technologies across West Africa.

Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., Andrew Beard, said the initiative would demonstrate that broadband connectivity in difficult and underserved markets could be profitable and sustainable.

He noted that the company’s systems were designed to help mobile network operators provide broadband internet and voice services in economically challenging locations using cost-effective technology built on open interfaces and architectures.

Beard added that the study would help stimulate investment, boost U.S. exports and accelerate the rollout of secure digital infrastructure globally.

The project comes amid growing competition between the United States and China over digital infrastructure development in Africa, where Chinese firms have played a dominant role in telecommunications expansion over the past decade.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency said the initiative aligns with its mandate of supporting critical infrastructure projects in emerging markets while promoting the deployment of trusted U.S. technologies and services.

U.S. to Deploy Wireless Technology to Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria

Zulum Visits Uba, Chibok Communities, Vows Rescue of Abducted Schoolchildren

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday visited Uba town to sympathise with parents of schoolchildren recently abducted in Mussa community, assuring residents that all efforts were being intensified to secure the safe release of the victims.

Governor Zulum, who has consistently visited communities affected by insecurity to console victims and assess the situation firsthand, met with parents of the abducted children at the palace of the Emir of Uba.

Addressing the gathering, the governor conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the Emir, the parents of the abducted children and the entire people of the Uba Emirate over the unfortunate incident.

“I want to convey my deepest sympathy to the Emir of Uba, parents of the abducted children and the entire people of Uba Emirate over the recent unfortunate incident,” Zulum stated.

“Let me assure you that the Federal Government under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and Borno State Government will do everything possible to secure the release of the children,” he assured.

The governor commended the military and other security agencies for taking proactive measures to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the area.

He disclosed that the Brigade Commander, Commanding Officer, Divisional Police Officer and other heads of security establishments had already been deployed to strengthen security and facilitate the safe return of the abducted children.

Governor Zulum also pledged to fortify security in Askira, Uba and adjoining communities to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

“We have made frantic efforts to stabilize Askira, Uba and adjoining communities through reinforcing security in these areas,” he said.

The governor appealed to the abductors to release the innocent children, noting that they were minors who required the care and protection of their parents.

He further called on residents of the Uba Emirate and the entire people of Borno State to intensify prayers, especially during the first 10 days of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah.

Speaking during the visit, the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Isma’ila Mamza II revealed that the incident occurred on Friday, 15 May, when 48 persons were abducted in Mussa community, including 37 primary school pupils, six secondary school students and five other residents.

The monarch commended Governor Zulum for his unwavering commitment to addressing insecurity, uniting the people of the state and supporting the emirate.

Also speaking, a representative of the Mussa community, Dr. Chinapi Amanja, appreciated the governor for the visit and acknowledged the deployment of senior military officers and other security personnel to the area.

…Zulum Condoles Chibok Communities

In a related development, Governor Zulum also visited Chibok town to commiserate with communities affected by recent attacks in parts of Chibok Local Government Area.

Addressing district heads, village heads, council members and other stakeholders, the governor said he was deeply saddened by the attacks, which claimed several lives and left many others injured.

“I purposely came to Chibok to sympathize with you over the recent attacks in some parts of the local government which claimed many lives and left others injured,” Zulum said.

“I want to assure you that the Federal Government, Nigerian Armed Forces and the Borno State Government will do everything possible to avert the recurrence of such incidents,” he added.

The governor urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that government was making concerted efforts to restore normalcy in the area through the deployment of additional troops.

He also prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and asked God to grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, the District Head of Garu, Engr. Zannah Madu, appreciated the governor for the visit and for the continued government intervention in addressing security challenges in the area.

Governor Zulum was accompanied on the visits by the member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Jaha; Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; Permanent Secretary, Government House and Security, Barrister Mustapha Busuguma; Special Adviser on Monitoring, Engr. Baba Bukar Gujbawu; and Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya.

Zulum Visits Uba, Chibok Communities, Vows Rescue of Abducted Schoolchildren