Crime
NDLEA arrests Abuja businessman over online sales of illicit drugs
NDLEA arrests Abuja businessman over online sales of illicit drugs
By Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested the MD/CEO of Marvelrock Pharmaceuticals and Stores Limited, Mr. Orakwe Celestine over alleged engagement in sales of illicit and controlled drugs on popular e-commerce platform, Jiji.ng.
According to a signed statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, Orakwe, a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Abuja, registered the pharmaceutical company on 16th December 2014 with the certificate and support of a licensed pharmacist, who opted out of the deal in 2017, but the suspect continued running the business and enrolled it on Jiji.ng platform in 2019.
Babafemi disclosed that Orakwe came under NDLEA’s radar in October 2021 when he advertised many pharmaceutical products such as Tramadol, Ketamine Hydrochloride injection, Hypnox flunitrazepam tablets among others on the Jiji.ng online marketplace.
He said between 26th October 2021 and 8th August 2022, the team of anti-narcotic officers assigned to investigate Orakwe’s drug business activities was able to establish the suspect was selling Tramadol 225mg and other illicit/controlled drugs through the e-commerce platform, and as a result, he was arrested with some quantities of Tramadol and Swiphnol brand of Rohypnol on Monday 8th August at a drink joint in Jabi area of Abuja where he had gone to make some supplies of orders made through his online channel on Jiji.ng.
In his reaction to Orakwe’s arrest, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) said the painstaking investigation and process of arresting the businessman should send a strong message to those hiding behind the internet to engage in marketing and selling of illicit/controlled drugs that the agency will definitely get them to face the consequences of their action.
Bandits Kill Driver, Abduct Two Officials in Zamfara Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed a driver, abducted two local government officials and injured another person during an attack along Tashar Lawali Road in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 11:20 a.m. on May 18, 2026, when suspected bandits blocked the road near Jangebe District and opened fire on motorists.
According to the sources, combined teams of the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel and members of the Community Protection Guards (CPG) were immediately mobilised to the scene following a distress report.
The sources disclosed that the attackers abducted Jamilu Sani, identified as the Director of Planning in the local government area, and Muslimu Habibu, a councillor representing Jangebe Ward.
During the attack, Samaila Ladan, a registration officer with the Hajj Affairs Unit of the local government, sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand and was rescued by security operatives.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Lawali Hakimi, reportedly died on the spot.
The injured victim was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention, while security forces commenced combing operations in the area to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the attackers.
Authorities said patrols had also been intensified to forestall further attacks in the area.
Bandits Kill Driver, Abduct Two Officials in Zamfara Attack
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Troops Foil Cattle Rustling Attempt in Plateau Border Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an attempted cattle rustling operation by unidentified armed men in a border community between Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:50 p.m. on May 17, 2026, following reports of sporadic gunshots around Rigochongo village.
According to the sources, troops swiftly mobilised to the area and discovered that the gunfire emanated from a group of armed men attempting to rustle cattle within the community.
The attackers reportedly abandoned the operation and fled the area upon the arrival of security personnel.
Authorities said no casualty was recorded during the incident, while security patrols and surveillance had been intensified in the area to prevent further criminal activities.
Troops Foil Cattle Rustling Attempt in Plateau Border Community
Troops Raid Suspected Terror Logistics Network in Sokoto, Arrest 11
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 11 suspects and recovered a fabricated firearm during a raid on suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Sokoto State.
Military sources said the operation was conducted at about 11:00 a.m. on May 17, 2026, by troops of the 8 Division Garrison at Sabon Birni in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state.
According to the sources, the raid targeted suspected logistics hubs believed to be supplying terrorist elements operating within the area.
During the operation, troops recovered one locally fabricated pistol loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, alongside quantities of suspected hard drugs.
The sources added that 11 suspects were arrested from different hideouts within the area during the coordinated operation.
All suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops Raid Suspected Terror Logistics Network in Sokoto, Arrest 11
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