Crime
NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with over N4.6 billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport
NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with over N4.6 billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport
By: Michael Mike
Barely 16 months after he was arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine, a 48-year-old businessman Christian Ogbuji has been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for importing 817 wraps of the same Class A drug weighing 19.4 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of over N4.6 billion.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, Ogbuji was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday 10th May 2023 upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986 kilogrammes. He was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12 Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023 and convicted on 13th July 2023. Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of N3 million, which he paid and was set free.
Babafemi said Ogbuji on the court order also forfeited the seized 1.986 kilogrammes cocaine, his international passport, 14 US dollars and 9000 Uganda shillings found on him at the time of his arrest.
The spokesman said: “Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 18th September 2024 during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos. The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage. In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt.
As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a second search. It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect.
He said a total of 817 pellets of cocaine excreted by many traffickers in Addis Ababa weighing 19.4 kilogrammes belonging to different members of a drug cartel were recovered.
Babafemi said during interrogation of the suspect, he stated that he initially left the backpack containing the drug at the carousel area as a strategy to beat NDLEA operatives, adding that he never knew there could be a “secondary search” since he had presented his bag for search previously and nothing incriminating was found. He claimed he had to procure a new international passport to continue his criminal trade.
The spokesman said investigations revealed Ogbuji is an unrepentant kingpin within the network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and others in the West African sub-region like Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire.
In his reaction to the arrest of Ogbuji, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for an excellent job done, adding that the seizure of such a large consignment of cocaine at the airport is a milestone that will send a strong message to the international drug cartels trying to find footholds in Nigeria.
He however assured that the agency will continue to work to disrupt the activities of drug cartels operating in the country.
Ends
NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with over N4.6 billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport
Crime
Troops arrest suspected cult members, recover locally made pistol in Ebonyi state
Troops arrest suspected cult members, recover locally made pistol in Ebonyi state
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested three suspected cult members and recovered a locally made pistol during a swift response to a distress call at the Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo in Ebonyi State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:25 p.m. on March 25 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Ikwo, following reports from the Chief Security Officer of the university about gunshots suspected to be linked to cult activities around the campus.
The sources said troops moved immediately to the scene, where they apprehended three suspects found in possession of knives and scissors.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly disclosed that another accomplice was in possession of an illegal firearm.
Acting on the information, troops proceeded to the suspect’s accommodation; however, he was said to have fled before their arrival.
A subsequent search of the room led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, concealed inside a handbag placed in the suspect’s wardrobe.
The sources added that efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspect, while the three arrested individuals remain in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops arrest suspected cult members, recover locally made pistol in Ebonyi state
Crime
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in ambush near Nigeria–Cameroon border
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in ambush near Nigeria–Cameroon border
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and recovered arms and logistics during an ambush operation along the Nigeria–Cameroon border axis.
Security sources said the ambush was conducted by troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised), 24 Task Force Brigade, following ongoing operations across the Madari–Segeme axis in Cameroon.

The sources disclosed that at about 11:40 p.m. on March 24, the ambush team made contact with fleeing terrorists along the Abari axis, leading to the neutralisation of one insurgent.
Items recovered from the scene included one M-19 assault rifle, assorted rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two mobile phones, one GSM battery, two Airtel SIM cards, five sachets of mebendazole tablets, a tactical gear bag, and one motorcycle.

According to the sources, the operation forms part of sustained efforts to track and eliminate fleeing terrorist elements along border corridors.
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in ambush near Nigeria–Cameroon border
Crime
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the arrest followed credible intelligence on the movement of a suspect conveying items believed to be meant for terrorists.

The sources disclosed that at about 6:00 p.m. on March 25, troops of 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Yobe State Hunters Group, intercepted the suspect, identified as Modu Sharif, 23, while moving from Damaturu to Kadau village near Goniri axis.
Items recovered from the suspect included 11 brake liners, four carburetors, one bunch of springs, 17 spark plugs, one crankshaft, three packets of oil seals, 18 cable wires, and eight clutch handles, all suspected to be motorcycle spare parts.
According to the sources, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation that he was sent by Boko Haram elements to deliver the items.
The suspect is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other collaborators and dismantle the logistics network supporting terrorist activities in the region.
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
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