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NDLEA busts illicit drug warehouse, recovers N6.7 billion opioids, arrests baron, 5 others

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NDLEA busts illicit drug warehouse, recovers N6.7 billion opioids, arrests baron, 5 others

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed a drug cartel led by alleged baron, Onyekachi Nwanagu.

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday said the drug baron was arrested with five members of his gang with illicit substances worth over N6.7 billion recovered from the cartel’s secret warehouse in a residential estate in Lagos.

Babafemi, said following credible intelligence that the drug trafficking organisation (DTO) was about distributing over 7.2 million pills of tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million mls) of codeine syrup warehoused in a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos state, ahead of the Christmas festive season, officers of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA led a well coordinated operation between Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th November 2025 to round up members of the syndicate and dismantle their criminal network.

He said two members of the DTO: Egbo Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel were trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos on Wednesday 19th November while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.

He noted that a follow up operation to the syndicate’s warehouse at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor the following day Thursday 20th November led to the arrest of Onyekachi Nwanagu and other members of his syndicate including: Nwoye Ali; Nnacho Ogochukwu; and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka.

Babafemi said in all, a total of 7,272,000 pills of tramadol 225mg worth N3,960,000,000 and 53 million mills of codeine syrup valued at over N2,762,550,000, bringing the combined value of the seized drugs to N6,722,550,000.00 only in street value were recovered and moved out of the estate in eleven trucks to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.

Meanwhile, while commending the Commander and operatives of the Special Operations Unit as well as those of Strike Force Unit involved in the dismantling of the syndicate, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) praised the officers’ professionalism and dedication, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to the cartels preying on Nigeria’s youth.

He said: “This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement. The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He emphasized that the agency’s focus remains squarely on the kingpins and financiers of the illicit drug trade. “The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are.”

NDLEA busts illicit drug warehouse, recovers N6.7 billion opioids, arrests baron, 5 others

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Troops Neutralise Terrorist, One Vigilante Injured in Sokoto

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Troops Neutralise Terrorist, One Vigilante Injured in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised a suspected terrorist during a firefight in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on April 23 when troops of 8 Division Garrison, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Marnona, responded to intelligence on terrorist activities at Illela village.

The sources said the troops made contact with the assailants and engaged them in a gun battle.

“Following the exchange of fire, one terrorist was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” the sources said.

They added that a vigilante member who supported the operation sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter and was evacuated for medical attention.

According to the sources, troops have continued to dominate the general area to forestall further terrorist activities.

Troops Neutralise Terrorist, One Vigilante Injured in Sokoto

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Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Items in Kogi

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Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Items in Kogi

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected terrorists during a routine patrol in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the suspects were apprehended at about 1:00 p.m. on April 22 by troops of 12 Brigade deployed at Dankolo.

The sources said the troops intercepted the suspects while on patrol along the Adankolo–Adankolo road.

According to the sources, the suspects claimed they were invited to the area for cattle rearing and provided a phone number of a civilian contact, which could not be reached.

Items recovered from the suspects include one mobile phone, two mobile phone batteries, charms, and the sum of ₦1,500.

The sources added that the suspects and recovered items are currently in the custody of 12 Mechanised Infantry Regiment for further investigation and necessary action.

They noted that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and prevent criminal activities in the area.

Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Items in Kogi

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Troops Discover 7 Additional Terrorist Graves, 2 ISWAP Dead Bodies After Kukareta Attack

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Troops Discover 7 Additional Terrorist Graves, 2 ISWAP Dead Bodies After Kukareta Attack

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have discovered additional graves and bodies of suspected ISWAP terrorists during follow-up exploitation operations after the failed attack on Kukareta community in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the latest discovery was made during continued clearance and exploitation of the general area following the earlier engagement in which 24 insurgents were neutralised.

The sources said troops uncovered 7 freshly dug graves believed to belong to terrorists killed during the encounter, as well as 2 additional bodies of suspected ISWAP fighters along withdrawal routes.

They noted that the findings further confirmed significant casualties suffered by the insurgents during the failed assault on the community.

According to the sources, the operation followed a coordinated attack launched by the terrorists in the early hours of April 23, which was decisively repelled by troops after a prolonged firefight.

Troops had earlier recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the scene, including 18 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns, 2 PKT anti-aircraft guns, 3 RPG tubes, 2 mortar tubes, 4 hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition.

The sources added that exploitation efforts are ongoing, with troops continuing to comb surrounding areas for fleeing terrorists, additional bodies, and abandoned equipment.

They described the development as a major setback for the terrorist group, noting that sustained military pressure would be maintained to further degrade their operational capabilities.

The general security situation in the North-East theatre remains under close watch, with troops maintaining aggressive patrols and clearance operations to prevent further attacks.

Troops Discover 7 Additional Terrorist Graves, 2 ISWAP Dead Bodies After Kukareta Attack

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