Crime

NDLEA sets ablaze 1.8 tonnes of cocaine

Published

3 years ago

September 27, 2022

News Net Global

NDLEA sets ablaze 1.8 tonnes of cocaine

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has set ablaze 1.8 tonnes of cocaine recovered last week from a warehouse in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The Chairman/Chief Executive of the anti-narcotics agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) during the burning of the illicit drugs, promised that tougher time awaits drug barons and cartels operating in the country if they fail to back out of their criminal trade and embrace legitimate ventures.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA had in a well-coordinated and intelligence led operation that lasted two days last week stormed a hidden warehouse at 6 Olukunola street, Solebo estate, Ikorodu where 1.8 tonnes of cocaine were recovered and five suspects including a Jamaican were arrested.

He said following the historical seizure, which is the largest in the agency’s history, an order of the Federal High Court in Lagos was obtained for the public destruction of the consignment.

Speaking at the venue of the public destruction in Badagry area of Lagos on Tuesday, Marwa who was represented by the agency’s Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN Sunday Joseph, said the sheer volume of the drug haul, with street value put at $278,250,000 equivalent N194,775,000,000, speaks volume about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld.

He said this has made it imperative for Nigerians to continue to support NDLEA in the renewed war against illicit drugs.

He said out of the 1.8-tonnes seizure, 1,828 blocks of the cocaine will be crushed and set ablaze while the remnant will be secured for purpose of prosecution of the suspects who were brought to witness the procedure and sign the certificate of destruction.

The NDLEA boss disclosed that “the agency is proceeding with the prosecution of those arrested in connection with this consignment. On this, the public can rest assured that NDLEA shall pursue the trial to a logical conclusion. Since January 25, 2021, when we commenced our offensive action against drug traffickers, the Agency has secured record convictions. Presently, 2, 904 drug offenders are serving various jail terms, while other cases are ongoing in court, which we are confident will end in positive results too.”

He said “the bust of the syndicate responsible for the cocaine warehoused in Ikorodu is a message to drug cartels that their investments in the illicit drug trade will go up in flames as you are about to witness while they also risk losing their freedom because the present NDLEA is committed to arresting, prosecuting and ensuring the conviction of those involved in illicit drugs. That is not all, we now also go after their assets acquired with the proceeds of the criminal trade.”

Marwa said the fact that the Ikorodu operation was conducted clinically without any skirmish or bloodshed is further testimony to the evolution of the NDLEA and its new capabilities, and a pointer to the fact that the game has changed in the war against illicit drugs.

He expressed appreciation to the agency’s international partners, especially the American Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) that supported the cocaine syndicate bust and the Nigerian military that provided additional firepower during the operation, as well as other law enforcement agencies that have been supporting efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs.

Marwa while soliciting for more support for the Agency’s work, reiterated that “the safety of our society is the responsibility of every one of us and every citizen shall be fulfilling his or her civic duty by assisting the agency to clean up our communities and cities by joining our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)”

He however insisted that “together, we can make this country secure.”

NDLEA sets ablaze 1.8 tonnes of cocaine

Crime

Troops ambush terrorists in Sokoto, recover six AK-47 rifles

Published

14 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops ambush terrorists in Sokoto, recover six AK-47 rifles

By: Zagazola Makama

Combined troops of 8 Division Garrison Strike Force and the Department of State Services have neutralized a terrorist cell in Sokoto State and recovered six AK-47 rifles in a decisive counter-terrorism operation.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists were intercepted in transit to Gundumi Village in Isa Local Government Area to carry out an attack on civilians. Acting on credible intelligence gathered through weeks of surveillance, troops tactically positioned themselves near the village and engaged the insurgents, who were traveling on motorbikes from a nearby forest.

One terrorist was neutralized during the encounter, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning their mission.

The source said a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of six AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, and 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

He added that troops have intensified patrols and maintained a strong presence in the area to prevent further threats.

“This successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of 8 Division and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting lives and property, reinforcing public confidence in the security forces’ ability to combat terrorism and maintain peace,” the source said.

Troops ambush terrorists in Sokoto, recover six AK-47 rifles

Crime

Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP ambush in Borno, kill 10, recover arms

Published

14 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP ambush in Borno, kill 10, recover arms

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled an ambush by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, killing 10 insurgents and recovering a cache of arms and equipment.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday during ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V/Siege Operations.

The source said troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, came under attack by terrorists who were in an ambush position with a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) and small arms fire.

“The troops, who were on high alert, responded with heavy volume of fire and successfully repelled the ambush.

“The attack was followed by the detonation of an IED on the troops, but their swift response forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray, with several of them killed and others sustaining gunshot wounds,” the source said.

He added that a reinforcement team from Ngoshe swiftly moved to cut off the terrorists’ withdrawal routes along the foothills of the Mandara Mountains and successfully ambushed the retreating fighters.

“Troops mounted a hot pursuit on the remnants who managed to escape and exploited the general area towards the withdrawal routes, recovering several bodies and equipment,” he said.

The source said 10 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, including two senior leaders identified as Basulhu, a key commander, and his second-in-command, Ubaida.

Items recovered from the terrorists include three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, five motorcycles, two hand grenades, two Baofeng radios, 12 AK-47 magazines, 197 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, one RPG charger, two detonating cords, 13 nine-volt batteries, an iron bar, a bandolier and a camel bag.

The source said the general security situation in the area remained relatively calm but fluid, adding that troops continued to maintain maximum alertness.

Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP ambush in Borno, kill 10, recover arms

Crime

Troops kill terrorist, recover arms in Maiduguri cordon-and-search operation

Published

14 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Troops kill terrorist, recover arms in Maiduguri cordon-and-search operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a suspected Boko Haram fighter and recovered arms during a cordon-and-search operation in parts of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), the military said on Thursday.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted under Operation Desert Sanity IV following intelligence reports of suspected terrorist activities and possible suicide bomber movements within the metropolis.

The source said troops were alerted to a gun battle between Boko Haram and ISWAP factions around the Malkube area of Tungushe General Area near Baga Road Market.

“On receipt of the report, a standby team comprising 36 soldiers and 10 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was mobilised to the scene.

“On arrival, the troops exchanged gunfire with the terrorists. The general area was cordoned off and searched, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 magazines, 15 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a Samsung Fold 4 Android phone,” the source said.

He added that one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while no casualties were recorded on the side of the troops.

The source said the operation, which was hitch-free, ended at about 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, with troops still monitoring the area for more intelligence and clearing suspected hideouts of terrorists hibernating within the metropolis.

Troops kill terrorist, recover arms in Maiduguri cordon-and-search operation