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NDLEA arrests 8 over Lagos, Abuja, Enugu airports Cocaine busts
NDLEA arrests 8 over Lagos, Abuja, Enugu airports Cocaine busts
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested six men and two women over attempts to import hundreds of cocaine pellets into Nigeria and export thousands of tramadol 255mg tablets among other illicit drugs to Europe via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
According to the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the streaks of arrests and seizures began on Sunday 17th July when a 52-year-old father of three, Okwo Okechukwu, was arrested upon his arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia via an Ethiopian airline flight at the Abuja airport for ingesting 76 pellets of cocaine.
Babafemi said during preliminary interrogation, Okechukwu said he was into selling women’s wigs and hair attachment before veering into the drug trade. Okechukwu excreted all the 76 wraps of the drug he swallowed while under observation at the NDLEA’s facility in Abuja.
In the same vein, another father of three, Lawrence Chijioke, 42, was arrested at the Abuja airport same day in an operational synergy between NDLEA and Nigeria Customs Service at the airport, Chijioke, was arrested during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airline flight from Addis Ababa with 529 pellets of cocaine weighing 11.70 kilogrammes concealed in his bag.
Chijioke, in his statement to anti-narcotic officers, claimed he was promised N2 million, which he planned to use to boost his business, upon successful delivery of the cocaine consignment in Abuja.
Babafemi said the NDLEA operatives also last Saturday arrested 29-year-old Ms. Onuorah Onyinye at the Enugu airport upon arrival on Ethiopian airline flight from Addis Ababa, during a search of her luggage, it was discovered that 2.192 kilogrammes of cocaine was concealed in two designer’s women handbags with false linings.
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The spokesman also disclosed that attempts by drug traffickers to export different illicit drugs through the NAHCO export shed at the Lagos airport to Europe and United Arab Emirate were also frustrated by officers and men of the agency. He said operatives on Monday 18th July intercepted some illicit substances concealed in a consolidated cargo going to Dubai, UAE, noting that apart from 24 parcels of Loud, a variant of cannabis, which is largely grown in the United States and Canada, other substances recovered from the cargo include a precursor for methamphetamine, BMK glycidic acid; tablets of designer drug MDMA and another five parcels of cannabis.
He said no fewer than four freight agents were arrested in connection with the seizure. They include: Balogun Olamilekan; Sulaimon Yetunde; Benjamin Joel; and Omoniyi Abraham.
He disclosed that same day, Monday 18th July, the bid by an Italy-bound passenger Tony Osas to export 10,250 tablets of tramadol 255mg to Europe through the Lagos airport was foiled by NDLEA operatives who intercepted him at Gate B departure hall during outward clearance of passengers on a Turkish airline flight to Milan.
He said during a search of his luggage, Osas was found with the illicit substance that weighed 5.70 kilogrammes concealed inside gari, a local cassava product tucked in his black handbag.
In other clampdown across the country, in Kaduna, a driver Jamilu Lawal, was arrested on Sunday 17th July along Abuja-Kaduna express road, with 157,000 tablets of diazepam weighing 37.5 kilogrammes. A follow up operation same day led to the arrest of the actual owner of the consignment, Abubakar Isiyaku, in Katsina.
Another suspect, Isah Mohammed, was equally arrested same day in Kano during a follow up operation, after the interception of his consignment, 2,500 kilogrammes rubber solution (solvent) locally called Shalisha in Kaduna.
In Abuja, no fewer than four persons were arrested over 345.4 kilogrammes cannabis seizures in the FCT. While Mohammed Auwal, 37; Godspower John, 34, and Chukwuma Odeh, 35, were arrested in Jabi Park over a 77.7 kilogrammes drug consignment on Monday 18th July.
Isah Yusuf, 25, was nabbed with 267.7 kilogrammes cannabis when operatives raided DeiDei area of the FCT last Saturday
In Sokoto state, operatives on stop and search operation along Gusau-Sokoto road arrested one Tochukwu Oranusi with 20,100 tabs of Rohypnol inside a commercial bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra state. Bottles of Codeine Syrup weighing 15.2 litres and 400grams of Rohypnol tabs whose owner, Buhari Sambo was later arrested, were also recovered from the vehicle.
In Anambra state, a suspect Azubuike Ogbanu was arrested with 76 cups of Arizona, 172 sachets of skunk, 82 pinches of methamphetamine, 20 sachets of Loud, and 10 wraps of Colorado when his base, Loren hostel, Ifite, Awka, was raided by operatives on Thursday 21st July.
Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers and men of the MMIA, NAIA, AIIA, Kaduna, Sokoto, FCT and Anambra Commands for the arrests, seizures and their tenacity, urged them and their colleagues across the country to remain steadfast in pursuit of the agency’s goal of ridding all parts of Nigeria of illicit substances
NDLEA arrests 8 over Lagos, Abuja, Enugu airports Cocaine busts
Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has expressed its plan to take a leaf from China’s success in cultural branding and creative industries to boost the nation’s tourism and cultural sectors.
The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stated this on Sunday while speaking at the New Year gala celebrating China-Nigeria friendship, hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Musawa while highlighting China’s global influence through its cultural exports, such as food, martial arts, and cinema, said: “Everywhere you go in the world, you see an aspect of Chinese culture.”
The minister said: “This is something we want to explore—how we can monetize our own culture in the way China has done.”
She emphasized Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and expressed optimism about forging co-production agreements and capacity-building initiatives between the two nations.
She said: “We’re discussing projects that focus on infrastructure for the creative industry and cultural sectors,” while noting that: “It’s essential for Nigeria to tap into China’s experience in branding and tourism, with the aim of revitalizing our own creative industries.”
The Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCNIG), Mr Yang Jianxing, who double as the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria expressed the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in enhancing China-Nigeria relations.
He noted that the China Cultural Centre would host a series of activities in 2025 to promote culture, tourism, and education, aligning with the “Beijing Action Plan” under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
He said: “These initiatives aim to deepen the friendship between the people of China and Nigeria.”
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, praised the long-standing ties between the two nations, stressing the need for stronger cultural and legislative collaboration.
He said: “This celebration is geared toward rebuilding stronger cultural ties,” noting that: “The Nigeria-China Relations Group will continue to explore legislative means to strengthen bilateral relations across sectors.”
On his part, the Director of Drum Majors for Peace, Nsikan Paul, emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering peace and understanding.
He said: “Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of dialogue and collective action,” adding that: “Through cultural exchange and advocacy, we aim to empower youth and promote inclusivity.”
Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa
Troops Arrest Two Ammo Couriers, Recover Ammunition in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army Troops of Operation Golden Peace have apprehended two suspected ammunition couriers and recovered a cache of ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Kwari Biba, located within the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted at about 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 18, led to the arrest of Maikudi Danweri, 62, and Abubakar Hamza, 26.
The troops recovered 204 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and a cash sum of N10,000 from the suspects. The suspects and the recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation.
The source noted that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition in the region, which has been linked to criminal activities and insecurity.
Troops Arrest Two Ammo Couriers, Recover Ammunition in Bauchi
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Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba, suspected to be behind the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.
The operation, conducted on Dec. 14 at 10 p.m., followed intelligence reports that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurency Expert and Security Analysts in the Lake Chad region that troops apprehended Wurgi after discovering he had been transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds.
The sources said that During the operation, two accomplices fled, but troops arrested another individual who assisted in transporting the suspect in a tricycle
The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and murdered on Aug. 22 after negotiations for his release collapsed.
Reports indicate that Wurgi played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed.
Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.
His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to act as a getaway biker for Turji, highlighting familial links within the banditry network.
Wurgi’s arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the Northwest region.
Wurgi is currently being held at an undisclosed location, while a manhunt is underway for his accomplices
Residents in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have lauded the operation, expressing hope that it will alleviate the long-standing impact of banditry and violence in the region.
Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa
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