Crime
NDLEA Busts Nationwide Drug Ring, Arrests 93-Year-Old Suspect and Medical Doctor in Sweeping Crackdown
NDLEA Busts Nationwide Drug Ring, Arrests 93-Year-Old Suspect and Medical Doctor in Sweeping Crackdown
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s anti-narcotics war has taken a dramatic turn as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered a sprawling drug trafficking network, arresting suspects across several states—including a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor—in a series of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations.
The arrests and seizures, carried out over the past week, cut across Abia, Kano, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Niger, Edo, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory, exposing the depth and diversity of actors involved in the illicit trade.
In one of the most startling cases, NDLEA operatives arrested 93-year-old Friday Chigbu at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, with 7.7 kilogrammes of skunk recovered from his home.
According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the nonagenarian admitted to decades of cannabis use, claiming he began smoking in 1959 before venturing into distribution barely a year ago.
In a separate but related operation, NDLEA dismantled an international cocaine trafficking attempt involving Ivorian national Gohouri Michael, who was intercepted at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano while attempting to board a flight to Milan, Italy.
He was found to have ingested 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilogramsmes and was reportedly promised €5,000 upon successful delivery.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Dr. Chudi Ofomata in Ogun State. The 69-year-old physician is alleged to have coordinated the operation, guiding the courier’s movements and logistics. NDLEA operatives recovered controlled substances, including promazepam and promethazine injections, from his residence.
Across multiple states, NDLEA operations delivered significant seizures and arrests:
In Niger State, a couple was apprehended after 118 kilogrammes of skunk was discovered in their kitchen.
In Ogun State, three suspects were arrested with 34 kilogrammes of cannabis during a raid in Sango-Ota.
In Imo State, a 26-year-old woman was intercepted with 56.2 kilogrammes along the Onitsha–Owerri road.
In Borno State, officers seized thousands of tablets of Rohypnol and large volumes of codeine syrup and pentazocine injections concealed in a trailer transporting spare parts.
In Lagos, 15 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis known as “Scottish Loud” was recovered from a commercial bus, while a separate operation in Mushin uncovered 26,800 bottles of codeine syrup.
In Abuja, eight suspects were arrested during a raid on a notorious drug hub, with over 11 kilogrammes of skunk recovered.
The most significant haul came from Edo State, where NDLEA operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a combined 7,245 kilogrammes of skunk hidden among cartons of beer. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment, which was reportedly en route to Abuja.
Babafemi said beyond enforcement, the agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, targeting schools, motor parks, and community groups with sensitisation programmes aimed at curbing demand.
Chairman of NDLEA, Buba Marwa, commended officers for the successful operations, stressing the importance of sustaining both supply suppression and preventive education.
NDLEA Busts Nationwide Drug Ring, Arrests 93-Year-Old Suspect and Medical Doctor in Sweeping Crackdown
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested a suspected criminal linked to the killing of more than 50 cattle belonging to Fulani herders in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources said that the suspect was arrested at about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday following credible intelligence on his whereabouts.
According to the sources, troops of 4 Brigade operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Uromi apprehended the suspect at his residence in Oloshi Main Town.
The suspect had reportedly been on the run since May 31, when he allegedly led an attack that resulted in the killing of over 50 cattle in the Oloshi general area.
The sources said the arrest was made after sustained efforts by security agencies to track down those involved in the incident.
Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the attack.
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducting an ongoing operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno have arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles from them.
Sources involved in the operation disclosed on Friday that the suspects were apprehended during a targeted security operation ahead of Magumeri town.
According to the sources, the operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 assault rifles believed to have been used by the suspects in criminal activities within the area.
The sources further revealed that preliminary interrogation of the suspects had yielded valuable intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking and arresting other members of the kidnapping network.
“The suspects have provided useful information that can aid further operations and lead to the arrest of additional members of the criminal syndicate,” the source said.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping and other criminal networks operating in parts of Borno State.
Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation, while investigations and follow-up actions are continuing.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered a stolen motorcycle following a gun battle with armed bandits along the Anka–Gurusu Road in Zamfara State.
The command said the operation was carried out at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday by personnel of the Violence Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) during ongoing anti-banditry operations.
According to the police, the operatives received credible intelligence that heavily armed bandits had blocked the Anka–Gurusu Road and abducted six travellers along with their two motorcycles while they were travelling from Mayanchi village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara to Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Acting on the information, the police team mobilised to the area and tracked the bandits to their hideout.
Upon contact, the suspects reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
The police said the operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee into the surrounding forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
As a result of the operation, all six abducted victims were rescued unhurt, while one of the stolen motorcycles was recovered.
The second motorcycle was, however, taken away by the fleeing bandits.
The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the suspects as well as recover the remaining motorcycle.
The Zamfara State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to security agencies.
Police Rescue Six Kidnap Victims, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Zamfara
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