News
NDLEA Nabs Ex-Convict, Three Others Over Cocaine Hidden in Liquid Starch Bound for UK
NDLEA Nabs Ex-Convict, Three Others Over Cocaine Hidden in Liquid Starch Bound for UK
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a previously convicted drug trafficker and three accomplices after intercepting a consignment of cocaine concealed in sealed sachets of liquid starch meant for export to the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi operatives of the agency uncovered 75 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.5 kilogrammes at the airport’s export shed.
He disclosed that three freight agents — Jubrin Hassana, Kuku Oluwasegun and Igwe Jane — were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, while processing the illicit cargo.
He noted that further investigation identified 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere as the coordinator of the shipment, stating that he was arrested the following day at a relaxation centre in Ikeja.
Babafemi said NDLEA records showed that Nwobodo was convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.1 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers and destined for the UK.
He was then sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, which he paid before resuming drug trafficking activities.
In separate operations across the country, NDLEA operatives recorded major seizures of cannabis and other illicit substances. In Ekiti State, officers dismantled cannabis warehouses in the Ara forest and recovered 638 kilogrammes of skunk. In Edo State, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1 kilogrammes were intercepted from three vehicles along the Igara–Auchi road.
In Cross River State, raids in Yakurr Local Government Area led to the arrest of three suspects with a combined seizure of more than 900 kilogrammes of skunk. Another suspect, a woman, was arrested along the Abaji–Abuja expressway with 38 kilogrammes of the substance while travelling from Edo State.
In Lagos State, multiple arrests were recorded, including the seizure of over 60 kilogrammes of skunk from two suspects in the Badagry and Agbara areas. In Taraba State, two men were apprehended in Takum with 48 kilogrammes of cannabis, while in Gombe State, a 65-year-old driver was arrested along the Gombe–Biu highway with large quantities of tramadol, pentazocine injections and other opioids destined for Borno State.
Babafemi also confirmed the arrest of a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, alias “Brown,” who was wanted in connection with the seizure of 26 kilogrammes of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, earlier intercepted at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos.
NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns nationwide, engaging students, teachers, worshippers and community members in states including Anambra, Katsina and Kogi.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers involved in the operations,, praised their commitment and urged personnel across all commands to remain vigilant and uphold professionalism during the festive season and beyond.
NDLEA Nabs Ex-Convict, Three Others Over Cocaine Hidden in Liquid Starch Bound for UK
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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