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NDLEA Ends 13-Year Manhunt as Drug Kingpin Surrenders, Major Meth Lab Busted

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NDLEA Ends 13-Year Manhunt as Drug Kingpin Surrenders, Major Meth Lab Busted

By: Michael Mike

After more than a decade on the run, a fugitive drug baron has finally fallen into the hands of the authorities, marking what anti-narcotics officials describe as a decisive blow against organised drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed that Reginald Chidiebere, wanted since 2013 after absconding while on bail over cocaine trafficking charges, surrendered to operatives on 13 February 2026. His capitulation brings to a close a 13-year pursuit that had seen him repeatedly linked to high-volume heroin imports through Lagos.

According to a statement on Sunday by spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, Chidiebere was initially arrested in 2013 and arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos. However, after securing bail, he vanished, frustrating prosecution efforts and remaining at large despite intelligence linking him to fresh trafficking operations.

Babafemi said Chidiebere name resurfaced prominently in February 2024 when NDLEA officers intercepted 49.7 kilogrammes of heroin imported from South Africa at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja.

He said a follow-up raid on his hotel property in Okota yielded an additional 2.2 kilogrammes of heroin recovered from a guest. Authorities subsequently secured an interim forfeiture order on the hotel and froze bank accounts traced to him, tightening the net around the fugitive businessman.

Babafemi said under mounting operational pressure and financial constraints following asset seizures, Chidiebere ultimately surrendered, and now in custody and expected to face both the original charges he fled in 2013 and fresh counts relating to the 2024 heroin consignments.

The arrest formed part of a week of sweeping enforcement actions across several states, underscoring what the agency described as a strategy of sustained disruption against supply chains.

In Imo State, operatives dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory concealed in Isiozi Obiato, Umuaka, within Njaba Local Government Area. The raid led to the recovery of 18.4 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, alongside precursor chemicals and production equipment — evidence of a growing domestic manufacturing capability that security experts have warned could deepen Nigeria’s exposure to synthetic drug markets.

Elsewhere, enforcement efforts yielded substantial seizures. At the Seme border in Badagry, a Togolese national was intercepted with 5,000 tramadol tablets concealed in luggage. In the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos, officers recovered 1,040 kilogrammes of skunk from an unfinished building.

Significant opioid consignments were also intercepted in Taraba State, where intelligence-led operations uncovered 637,600 pills including tramadol and diazepam concealed in a vehicle bound for Gashaka Local Government Area. Additional cannabis seizures were recorded in Katsina, Osun, Kano, Borno and the Federal Capital Territory.

Meanwhile, the Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised officers across the various commands for what he described as their persistence and professionalism. He stressed that the agency would continue to pursue traffickers regardless of how long they attempt to evade justice.

He said: “The agency remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks and bringing all offenders to justice,” pointing to the kingpin’s eventual surrender as proof that sustained enforcement pressure yields results.

Beyond interdictions, the agency reported continued implementation of its War Against Drug Abuse advocacy campaign in secondary schools across several states, aimed at balancing supply reduction with demand reduction initiatives.

NDLEA Ends 13-Year Manhunt as Drug Kingpin Surrenders, Major Meth Lab Busted

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Troops neutralize 13 bandits in Plateau offensive, recover weapons and logistics items

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Troops neutralize 13 bandits in Plateau offensive, recover weapons and logistics items

By: Zagazola Makama

The sustained military offensive against armed groups in Plateau State has recorded a significant breakthrough following the neutralisation of 13 suspected terrorists in Wase and Kanam Local Government Areas.

Security sources said troops under Operation Wutan Daji, on April 9, intensified clearance operations across identified terrorist corridors, including Daba and Seri villages.

The operation, which commenced at about 8:30 a.m., involved the establishment of blocking positions between Dutsen Zaki and Odare Forest, where troops made contact with armed elements moving on motorcycles.

The suspected terrorists were reportedly engaged in a firefight, resulting in the neutralisation of several of them, while others escaped with injuries.

Following exploitation of the area, troops confirmed that about 10 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter.

Items recovered from the scene included two motorcycles, five containers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) of 25 litres each, one AK-47 rifle, and a magazine loaded with three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Military authorities said the operation remains ongoing as troops continue clearance actions and exploitation of surrounding forests believed to serve as escape routes for armed groups.

The latest development reflects an intensified push by security forces to disrupt mobility corridors used by armed groups operating across Plateau’s forested and border communities.

The operation also illustrates a shift towards more aggressive blocking and interception tactics aimed at denying militants freedom of movement and access to logistics supplies.

Authorities have assured that further updates will be provided as operations progress in the affected areas.

lTroops neutralize 13 bandits in Plateau offensive, recover weapons and logistics items

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Several bandits killed as Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks on Niger Communities

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Several bandits killed as Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks on Niger Communities

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and local volunteer forces on Tuesday successfully foiled what locals said would have been a large-scale attack by bandits on Bagna and Erena communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.

Credible security sources disclosed that the move by the operatives followed advance intelligence on the the planned attack.

According to the sources, as bandits in their numbers made to storm Bagna and Erene communities, the security operatives and volunteers ambushed them, killing scores of the attackers.

“Over 300 bandits armed with dangerous weapons and on motorcycles we’re headed to the communities. Unfortunately for them, security operatives and local vigilantes, who had credible intelligence on their movements, ambushed them. Scores were killed while many others fled toward the Makuba and Allawa axis” disclosed the source.

Residents of the communities expressed gratitude to the security operatives and volunteer forces, noting that their gallantry saved them from what would have been a major disaster.

“We are very happy. We thank the joint security forces for protecting us,” one of the residents stated.

“We are witnessing an increase in collaboration between security agencies and local volunteer forces. This has led to a bridging of security gaps, and making the first line of defence against insecurity very effective,” offered the source, stressing, “their actions have helped strengthen security in several communities across the country.”

Several bandits killed as Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces Foil Attacks on Niger Communities

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Troops arrest two suspected militia members in Kokona LGA In Nassarawa

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Troops arrest two suspected militia members in Kokona LGA In Nassarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2 Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested two suspected militia members during an intelligence-led operation in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Security sources said the suspects were arrested at about 1:15 p.m. on April 5, 2026, in Atara community following actionable intelligence.

During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to stab a soldier, prompting the troops to respond, during which he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.

The injured suspect was evacuated to the Public Health Care facility in Bassa for medical attention.

The two suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Troops arrest two suspected militia members in Kokona LGA In Nassarawa

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