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NDLEA Officers in Crossfire with Hoodlums in Notorious Edo Hemp Forest

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NDLEA Officers in Crossfire with Hoodlums in Notorious Edo Hemp Forest


…3 Operatives Injured, One Undergoes Brain Surgery

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have engaged armed hoodlums in crossfire during a siege on forest warehouses in Opuje community, Owan West local government area of Edo state where drugs to be sold during the forthcoming Yuletide period were stored.

A statement on Thursday from the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the operatives repelled rain of bullets from armed hoodlums who blocked all roads in Opuje community, Owan West local government area of Edo state to prevent the anti-narcotic operatives from accessing the forest warehouses where tons of processed psychoactive substances have been stored for distribution nationwide ahead of the coming Christmas and New Year season.

He noted that this is coming barely 11 months after armed youths recruited by drug barons ambushed NDLEA officers who stormed the community to destroy massive warehouses and tents storing over 317,417 kilogrammes (317.4 metric tons) of cannabis sativa on Wednesday 18th January 2023.

He recalled that at least, three suspects: Omoruan Theophilus, 37; Aigberuan Jacob, 42; Ekeinde Anthony Zaza, 53, and Naomi Patience Ohiewere, 42, were arrested in connection with the drugs then.

Babafemi said Opuje community is notorious for cannabis cultivation, where the cartels invest huge resources, cutting down economic trees of the forest reserves and cultivating cannabis on a large scale, running into hundreds of hectares. After harvest, they build warehouses inside the forest reserves and employ the services of armed youths to protect the warehouses at all time.

He said following credible intelligence that the drug cartels had again stocked their warehouses in the forest to start distribution of the psychoactive substance to various parts of the country ahead of the Yuletide season, teams of NDLEA officers were mobilized to enter the Edo forests and block the distribution of the illicit drug by destroying their warehouses. Some of the warehouses containing about 6,000 kilogrammes of cannabis were first taken down in Ujiogba forest in Esan West LGA last weekend.

He added that the NDLEA teams however came under gunfire attack in the early hours of Monday when they approached the Opuje forest after the armed hoodlums had blocked all access roads in the community. He said the NDLEA operatives were able to exit the area after over two hours of gun fight with the armed hoodlums.

Babafemi said unfortunately, three of the officers were injured in the attack with one of them shot in the head while some of the vehicles used for the operation were riddled with bullets. The affected officers were rushed to the hospital for treatment while the critically injured one had a major surgery on Wednesday to remove the bullets in his brain.

In his reaction to the attack, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) warned that those sponsoring attacks on the operatives would know no rest until they are all brought before the law to face the consequences of their action and their criminal trade terminated.

While commending the professional conduct of the officers involved in the operation, Marwa said the incident will not in any way deter the agency from continuing its ongoing offensive action against drug barons and cartels who are merchants of death bent on destroying the lives of innocent citizens especially the youths for their own comfort across the nooks and crannies of the country.

NDLEA Officers in Crossfire with Hoodlums in Notorious Edo Hemp Forest

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Army troops recover 97 rustled livestock, hand them over to owners in Kano

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Army troops recover 97 rustled livestock, hand them over to owners in Kano

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 1 Division, Nigerian Army, have recovered 97 rustled livestock from suspected terrorists in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State.

The operation was conducted at about 10:50 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2026, following a report of terrorist activities in Mai Nika Ward of the local government area.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops engaged the terrorists upon arrival, forcing them to flee and abandon 67 rustled livestock.

The troops subsequently conducted further exploitation of the area and recovered an additional 27 livestock.

The recovered animals, totalling 97, were later handed over to their owners in the presence of the Local Government Chairman and representatives of other security agencies.

The operation underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to protect rural communities, recover stolen property and deny criminal elements freedom of action across the 1 Division area of responsibility.

Army troops recover 97 rustled livestock, hand them over to owners in Kano

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Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Two Locals in Plateau

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Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Two Locals in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attempted armed robbery attack along the Apel-Jipun road in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on August 23, 2026, when troops responded to reports of gunshots allegedly fired by suspected armed robbers along the highway.

The troops swiftly mobilised to the area, forcing the gunmen to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding area.

During the subsequent search of the location, the troops rescued two locals, identified as Samuel Dauda and Luka Daar, who were reportedly returning from Maraban on a motorcycle when they encountered the armed men.

Three empty cartridge cases of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered at the scene.

Following the incident, the troops intensified patrols along the highway and other strategic locations in the area to deter criminal elements and prevent further attacks on motorists and residents.

Security personnel have continued efforts to maintain security along the route and ensure the safety of commuters using the highway.

Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Two Locals in Plateau

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Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau

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Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a suspected motorcycle thief and recovered a stolen motorcycle during a stop-and-search operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Zagazola Media Network gathered that the suspect, identified as Hosiah Alfred, was arrested at the Sabon Gari checkpoint in Mangu at about 5:50 a.m. on August 24, 2026.

The troops, operating under Operation HARD KNOCK, intercepted Alfred while he was travelling in a commercial vehicle reportedly en route to Duklin in Bauchi State from Abuja.

According to security sources, the troops became suspicious of the motorcycle in his possession and subjected him to questioning.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the motorcycle from a dispatch rider identified as Yusuf Gideon, who works for one Mr. Nonso in Abuja.

The suspect and the recovered motorcycle are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.

Security authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft, trace the rightful owner of the motorcycle and determine whether the suspect is linked to other criminal activities.

The development highlights the continued security checks being conducted along major routes in Plateau State to detect and prevent the movement of suspected criminals and stolen property.

Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau

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