NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-narcotics campaign, securing 974 convictions across the country within the first quarter of 2026, including 11 high-profile drug traffickers who collectively received 254 years in prison sentences.

Data released by the agency showed that between January and March 2026, a total of 974 offenders were convicted and sentenced for drug-related offences. Of this figure, 899 were male and 75 female convicts. Monthly breakdown indicates 265 convictions in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March, reflecting a steady escalation in enforcement outcomes.

Among those convicted are 11 identified drug kingpins whose cases were prosecuted across various divisions of the Federal High Court nationwide, following NDLEA operations targeting trafficking networks and illicit drug distribution chains.

One of the most prominent convictions involved Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos to a cumulative 130 years in prison after being found guilty on a 15-count charge. The court also ordered the revocation of his pharmacy licence, forfeiture of two pharmacy outlets, and the seizure of funds in multiple bank accounts to the Federal Government.

In another case, 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun was handed a 25-year sentence by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. The convict had previously been jailed for a related drug offence in 2022, marking him as a repeat offender.

Similarly, two traffickers, Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi, received 17-year prison terms each from the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after being convicted for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of cannabis (skunk).

Other notable convictions include Jonathan Nuhu, also known as “Doctor,” sentenced to 15 years in Kano, and Idris Yusuf, who received a 15-year term in Damaturu, Yobe State, alongside an additional eight-year sentence from a related case.

Several others across different jurisdictions were handed seven-year sentences for various drug trafficking offences, underscoring what authorities describe as an intensified nationwide crackdown.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the outcome as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing war against illicit drugs.

He said the conviction of nearly 1,000 offenders within three months sends a strong warning to drug cartels and traffickers operating in the country.

“Securing 974 convictions in just three months reflects the determination of our officers and the declining tolerance of the Nigerian state for drug merchants. The combined 254-year sentences handed to these kingpins show clearly that impunity in the drug trade is no longer sustainable,” Marwa stated.

He commended the judiciary for what he described as swift and decisive adjudication of drug cases, stressing that timely justice remains a key deterrent to organised criminal networks.

Marwa also praised NDLEA operatives for their operational courage and professionalism, pledging continued investment in their welfare and operational capacity.

He further called on Nigerians to support ongoing efforts by providing credible intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains vital in dismantling drug trafficking networks.

The agency reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on drug cartels through arrests, prosecution, and asset forfeiture, as part of a broader national strategy to curb substance abuse and protect vulnerable populations.

NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison

Army troops foils major bunkering operation along Lagos waterways, recovers trucks, arrest 15 suspects

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected large-scale oil theft syndicate operating along the Lekki–Ibeju coastal axis of Lagos State, arresting 15 suspects and recovering multiple vehicles, marine equipment, and pumping devices used in illegal petroleum siphoning.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted in the early hours of April 17, 2026, by troops of 65 Battalion under the 81 Division, following sustained human intelligence and surveillance on suspected crude oil and refined product theft activities in the area close to the Dangote Refinery corridor.

According to the sources, the troops deployed from Bonny Cantonment moved into the Lekki Free Zone general area after intelligence indicated that a coordinated illegal bunkering operation was ongoing at a creek location linked to offshore barge activities.

The sources explained that upon arrival at about 1:30 a.m., troops discovered that suspected bunkerers were actively siphoning petroleum products from a vessel positioned offshore. The product was reportedly being transferred through an improvised pipeline system into a waiting tanker truck stationed onshore.

The illegal operation, according to the sources, involved the use of floating hoses, pumping machines, and a concealed offshore barge system, designed to move petroleum products from sea-based installations into land-based storage and transport vehicles.

Troops reportedly intervened and arrested 15 suspects at the scene, while the illegal pumping activity was immediately halted. However, due to the tidal conditions and sea wave intensity at the time of the operation, troops were unable to physically access the offshore barge believed to be part of the criminal network.

Recovered items from the scene include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup vehicle, a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha speedboat engine, and a large quantity of industrial hose pipes suspected to have been used for product transfer.

Security sources further disclosed that the operation followed earlier tracking of suspicious movements in the area, including reports of illegal connections suspected to be siphoning petroleum products from high-value industrial supply points within the Lekki Free Zone environment.

All arrested suspects and recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for detailed investigation aimed at identifying the broader network behind the operation, including offshore collaborators and land-based logistics support units.

Military said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of damage, ownership of vessels involved, and possible collusion with external actors operating within the maritime corridor.

Security forces have also intensified surveillance across coastal routes and industrial installations in Lagos State as part of wider efforts to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal petroleum product diversion.

The military assured that follow-up operations will continue to target remaining members of the syndicate and dismantle all associated logistics chains supporting illegal bunkering activities in the region.

Army troops foils major bunkering operation along Lagos waterways, recovers trucks, arrest 15 suspects

Troops recover 74 rustled livestock in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, have recovered 74 rustled livestock following an operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 6:50 p.m. on April 13 after troops received credible intelligence on terrorist activities in Matazu town.

According to the sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area, where they made contact with the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight.

“The terrorists were overwhelmed by superior firepower and forced to withdraw from the area,” the sources said.

They added that troops subsequently exploited the general area and successfully recovered 74 rustled livestock.

The recovered animals were later handed over to personnel of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for further necessary action.

Security agencies have continued operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further incidents.

Troops recover 74 rustled livestock in Katsina