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

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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

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Troops neutralise three terrorists after ambush on Miyanti-Banki route

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Troops neutralise three terrorists after ambush on Miyanti-Banki route

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 151 Task Force Battalion have neutralised three terrorists following an ambush on the Maiduguri-Miyanti-Banki Junction route in Borno State.

The incident occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 1, when the troops, while conducting route-scanning operations along the major road, came under attack by terrorist elements.

According to sources, the terrorists initiated the attack with a concealed improvised explosive device (IED), followed by heavy volume of fire.

The troops fought through the ambush and subsequently launched an immediate exploitation operation against the attackers.

During the encounter, three terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one concealed IED.

On the side of the troops, one soldier sustained injuries during the engagement and was evacuated to 21 Specialised Brigade Hospital, Maiduguri, where he is reportedly stable and receiving medical attention.

The attack also resulted in damage to the windscreen of one of the troops’ gun trucks.

The latest incident underscores the continued threat posed by terrorist elements along major routes in Borno State, particularly through the use of IEDs and ambush tactics against military patrols.

The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.

Troops continue to maintain offensive and route-clearance operations to disrupt terrorist activities and ensure the safety of civilians and motorists across the theatre.

Troops neutralise three terrorists after ambush on Miyanti-Banki route

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Governor Lawal woos investors, highlights Zamfara’s economic opportunities at CEO Forum

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Governor Lawal woos investors, highlights Zamfara’s economic opportunities at CEO Forum

Lagos, Sept. 1, 2026 — Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called for stronger collaboration between government, businesses and investors to unlock private capital and drive inclusive economic growth in the state.

Lawal made the call while delivering a Special Policy Address at the 2026 CEO Forum organised by the Global Compact Network Nigeria in Lagos.

The forum, held under the theme “Financing a Dignified Future: Aligning Business Action, Policy and Capital,” brought together chief executives, senior government officials, industry leaders, diplomats, trade commissioners and international development partners.

Participants were drawn from key sectors of the economy, including oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, construction and infrastructure.

The governor spoke on the growing competition among states for increasingly selective private capital and the factors that could transform an economic opportunity into an investable proposition.

He explained how his administration was working to bridge the gap between available economic opportunities and investment, with emphasis on building investor confidence while ensuring that investments deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of Zamfara.

According to him, attracting investment requires more than identifying economic opportunities, but also creating the conditions, policies and partnerships capable of giving investors confidence to commit capital.

The forum provided a platform for business leaders, government officials and investors to examine ways of aligning business strategies, public policies and capital deployment to unlock productive investment.

Discussions also focused on identifying businesses, sectors and projects with strong potential but facing difficulties in accessing financing, as well as measures to make such opportunities more attractive to investors.

The organisers also introduced the concept of the “Dignity Dividend,” examining how investment-led growth could translate into better jobs, stronger businesses, increased productivity, local value creation and broader economic participation.

Another key component of the forum was the identification of actionable commitments and partnerships that participating institutions could advance over the next six to 12 months.

Notable speakers at the event included chief executives of First Bank Group, Access Bank, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Nigerian Exchange Group, Chellarams Plc, SecureID Group and Greenwich Merchant Bank Plc, among others.

The organisers said the session would culminate in a live showcase of the Business Value and Sustainability Platform (BVSP), described as a standing coalition of business, capital and policy actors designed to sustain the dialogue.

The platform is also expected to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s private-sector engagement during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

The governor’s participation in the forum comes as Zamfara seeks to strengthen its economic base, attract productive investment and create opportunities that can support sustainable livelihoods and wider participation in the state’s economy.

Governor Lawal woos investors, highlights Zamfara’s economic opportunities at CEO Forum

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Buni declares open a two-day workshop for 150 media assistants in Yobe

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Buni declares open a two-day workshop for 150 media assistants in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State Governor. Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMNCOMN, has described the media assistants as an important link between the government, political leadership, and the people.

The governor revealed this today in Kano while declaring a two-day strategic communication workshop for over 150 media and photography aides serving in his administration.

Ably represented by the secretary of the state government, Dr. Ammed Goje. Governor Buni urged the media aides to communicate government policies and programs accurately and responsibly.

The governor charged them to uphold truth, credibility, and professionalism in public communication and also warned them against misinformation and reckless use of digital platforms capable of undermining peace and public confidence.

He further also cautioned them against using communication platforms for insults, misinformation, character assassination, ethnic profiling, religious incitement, and the deliberate spread of falsehoods. Governor Buni maintained that government achievements should be communicated based on verifiable evidence rather than manufactured claims.

“Engage in facts, defend government with evidence, correct misinformation with civility, and disagree without insulting to help protect the peace, unity, and social cohesion of Yobe State. Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information, and Culture, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, commended Governor Mai Mala Buni, COMNCOMN, for investing in the continuous capacity development of his media aides.

Bego further described the workshop as the second major capacity-building exercise organized by the governor’s media team within one year.

The commissioner maintained that the initiative reflected the administration’s commitment to strengthening professional communication.

He called on the participants to acquire relevant digital skills and use social media strategically and responsibly to communicate government programs and engage citizens.

Buni declares open a two-day workshop for 150 media assistants in Yobe.

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