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NDLEA intercepts drug consignments in baby food tins, cloths going to US, UK
NDLEA intercepts drug consignments in baby food tins, cloths going to US, UK
By: Michael Mike
Multiple consignments of illicit drugs concealed in tins of baby food can and cloths going to the United States and United Kingdom have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and a courier firm in Lagos.
A press statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said no less than 36 parcels of a strong strain of cannabis concealed in six cartons of tins of baby food, with six containers in each package were recovered at the SAHCOL export shed of Lagos airport last Wednesday, noting that the psychotropic substance has a total weight of 18.5 kilogrammes.
He said that a freight agent, Salaudeen Abiola who presented the consignment for export to the UK was promptly arrested while a follow up operation to Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday led to the arrest of the sender of the cargo, Bello Folu at her No. 20 Mofoluwasho Estate, Elewuro, Akobo area of the Oyo state capital.
He added that the food tins were all factory-sealed at the top while they tampered with the bottom through which they put the substances covered with loose quantities of the infant cereal meal to prevent discovery, an effort that ended in futility as vigilant NDLEA officers were able to foil the attempt.
He said in the same vein, five different shipments of opioids and other psychoactive substances, such as promethazine, pentazocine, diazepam, tramadol, and morphine concealed in cloths and other items meant for export to the US and UK were equally intercepted by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.
While one of the shipments containing 820 grammes of promethazine and pentazocine injections was going to the United States, the remaining four parcels consisting of over two kilogrammes of opioids such as tramadol 225mg, molly and NPS were heading to the United Kingdom. They were all intercepted last Monday at a logistics company in Lagos.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Tincan port in Lagos last Friday recovered 77 packages of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis from the body compartments of four vehicles: Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Sienna imported from Canada during a joint examination of some containers with men of the Customs Service and other stakeholders.
The seized consignments have a total weight of 38.5 kilogrammes while two suspects: Salami Sunday, 34 and Lekan Atoyebi, 33, assigned to clear the shipments have been taken into custody, while Isiagu Sunday was arrested in Mushin Ojuwoye Lagos last Thursday with 1,740 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 174 litres and 1,070 tablets of Molly weighing 600grams, no less than 50 bags of cannabis with a gross weight of 520 kilogrammes were recovered in the bush at Isuada, Owo council area of Ondo state just as five suspects were arrested at Itaogbolu forest, Akure North local government area of the state. The suspects nabbed in connection with the seizure of 42 kilogrammes of same psychoactive substance include: Jimoh Omotosho, 63; Donald Obi, 62; Emmanuel Patrick, 21; Kayode Oluwaseun, 39; and John Nsikan, 34.
In Edo state, twenty-two and a half bags of cannabis weighing 220 kilogrammes were recovered from Egbeta community, Ovia North East area of Edo state last Tuesday while a suspect, Osayede Aghoma was arrested. Another suspect, Ibrahim Abubakar, 55, was last Wednesday nabbed with 40 blocks of same substance weighing 19.2 kilogrammes along Okene-Lokoja highway in a commercial bus coming from Lagos enroute Kano.
He noted with the same drive, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.
While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Tincan, Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) noted their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain the zeal and tempo.
NDLEA intercepts drug consignments in baby food tins, cloths going to US, UK
Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has expressed its plan to take a leaf from China’s success in cultural branding and creative industries to boost the nation’s tourism and cultural sectors.
The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stated this on Sunday while speaking at the New Year gala celebrating China-Nigeria friendship, hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Musawa while highlighting China’s global influence through its cultural exports, such as food, martial arts, and cinema, said: “Everywhere you go in the world, you see an aspect of Chinese culture.”
The minister said: “This is something we want to explore—how we can monetize our own culture in the way China has done.”
She emphasized Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and expressed optimism about forging co-production agreements and capacity-building initiatives between the two nations.
She said: “We’re discussing projects that focus on infrastructure for the creative industry and cultural sectors,” while noting that: “It’s essential for Nigeria to tap into China’s experience in branding and tourism, with the aim of revitalizing our own creative industries.”
The Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCNIG), Mr Yang Jianxing, who double as the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria expressed the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in enhancing China-Nigeria relations.
He noted that the China Cultural Centre would host a series of activities in 2025 to promote culture, tourism, and education, aligning with the “Beijing Action Plan” under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
He said: “These initiatives aim to deepen the friendship between the people of China and Nigeria.”
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, praised the long-standing ties between the two nations, stressing the need for stronger cultural and legislative collaboration.
He said: “This celebration is geared toward rebuilding stronger cultural ties,” noting that: “The Nigeria-China Relations Group will continue to explore legislative means to strengthen bilateral relations across sectors.”
On his part, the Director of Drum Majors for Peace, Nsikan Paul, emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering peace and understanding.
He said: “Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of dialogue and collective action,” adding that: “Through cultural exchange and advocacy, we aim to empower youth and promote inclusivity.”
Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa
Troops Arrest Two Ammo Couriers, Recover Ammunition in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army Troops of Operation Golden Peace have apprehended two suspected ammunition couriers and recovered a cache of ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Kwari Biba, located within the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted at about 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 18, led to the arrest of Maikudi Danweri, 62, and Abubakar Hamza, 26.
The troops recovered 204 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and a cash sum of N10,000 from the suspects. The suspects and the recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation.
The source noted that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition in the region, which has been linked to criminal activities and insecurity.
Troops Arrest Two Ammo Couriers, Recover Ammunition in Bauchi
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Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba, suspected to be behind the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.
The operation, conducted on Dec. 14 at 10 p.m., followed intelligence reports that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurency Expert and Security Analysts in the Lake Chad region that troops apprehended Wurgi after discovering he had been transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds.
The sources said that During the operation, two accomplices fled, but troops arrested another individual who assisted in transporting the suspect in a tricycle
The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and murdered on Aug. 22 after negotiations for his release collapsed.
Reports indicate that Wurgi played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed.
Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.
His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to act as a getaway biker for Turji, highlighting familial links within the banditry network.
Wurgi’s arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the Northwest region.
Wurgi is currently being held at an undisclosed location, while a manhunt is underway for his accomplices
Residents in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have lauded the operation, expressing hope that it will alleviate the long-standing impact of banditry and violence in the region.
Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa
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