NDLEA Nabs China-Based Businessman, Two Angolans as 236 Cocaine Pellets Recovered at Abuja, Kano Airports

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a China-based Nigerian businessman and two Angolan nationals after they excreted a combined 236 wraps of cocaine at the Nnamdi Azikiwe and Mallam Aminu Kano international airports.

The suspects—identified as Ibeanu Vincent Chukwudulue, 34; Mbandu Martins Makiadi, 50; and Ngoma Wilson Fernando, 52—were apprehended in separate operations in Abuja and Kano following intelligence-led surveillance.

Ibeanu was intercepted on February 4 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while boarding a Qatar Airways flight from Kano to China via Doha. A body scan confirmed he had ingested illicit drugs. Under observation, he excreted 52 pellets of cocaine weighing 735.95 grams. He told investigators he previously ran a business on Lagos Island before relocating to Guangzhou, China, in 2024.

On the same day, NDLEA officers at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport arrested Makiadi and Fernando at the departure hall during clearance for an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Istanbul via Addis Ababa. Body scans confirmed drug ingestion. Makiadi expelled 76 wraps weighing 920 grams in seven excretions, while Fernando passed 108 pellets weighing 1.33 kilograms in five excretions.

The Angolan suspects, both from Hoji Ya Henda in Luanda, claimed they were recruited by an automobile spare parts dealer who promised them $3,000 each upon successful delivery of the drugs in Turkey.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport thwarted an attempt to smuggle 1.10 kilograms of cocaine to London, concealed in processed cassava granules (garri).

Investigations revealed that the plot was orchestrated from prison by Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, a convicted drug trafficker currently serving a five-year sentence at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. Oladimeji had earlier been convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos in 2025 for conspiracy to export 17.90kg of cocaine.

The latest consignment, hidden in a sack of garri packed inside a carton, was presented for export by Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan, a staff member of Dimeji Express Logistics. NDLEA investigations indicated that Oladimeji coordinated the operation from custody and directed Yusuf to collect the consignment in Oshodi before taking it to the airport.

In another case at the Lagos airport, a 44-year-old estate surveyor, Adelaja Taiwo Adetayo, was arrested for attempting to ship 1.70 kilograms of skunk concealed in five jerry cans to the United Kingdom. The cargo agent who processed the consignment was also arrested, leading to a follow-up operation that tracked down Adelaja in Lagos.

In Abuja, NDLEA operatives intercepted a waybill package from Enugu containing a children’s toy guitar used to conceal 59.2 grams of Canadian Loud, a potent cannabis strain. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the consignee, Henry Onuma, in Life Camp.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, NDLEA officers raided a four-bedroom duplex in the Lekki area used as a production hub for Colorado, a synthetic cannabis variant known locally as “Colos.” The operation followed the seizure of 73 cartons of nitrous oxide at Ajah–Epe Expressway, suspected to be linked to the facility. Two suspects were arrested, and 13.2 kilograms of freshly produced synthetic cannabis were recovered alongside precursor chemicals.

In Ibadan, Oyo State, a 45-year-old suspected drug dealer, Oluwayemisi Bunmi, was arrested with 1.189kg of Colos and skunk, 320 grams of methamphetamine, nearly ₦3 million in cash, and two vehicles.

In Kwara State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying 105,400 pills of tramadol along the Bode Saadu axis, leading to the arrest of 43-year-old Kamilu Abdullahi.

Similarly, in Edo State, five suspects were apprehended during a raid on a forest camp in Ovia North East Local Government Area, where 563.5 kilograms of skunk were recovered.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers across the MAKIA, MMIA, NAIA, Lagos, Edo, Kwara, FCT, and Oyo Commands for their professionalism and vigilance.

He urged continued commitment to the agency’s balanced strategy of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction, even as NDLEA intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns in schools and communities nationwide.

NDLEA Nabs China-Based Businessman, Two Angolans as 236 Cocaine Pellets Recovered at Abuja, Kano Airports

Kwara Residents Call on the Federal Government to Rescue Residents Captured in Woro as a Video of Abductees Surfaces Online

By:Bodunrin kayode

There has been urgent calls on the Federal, government with the military might to take swift action to rescue the 176 abducted residents of woro community back to safety away from captivity.

This came about after a disturbing video clip showing captured residents of the recent attack in Woro community, Kaiama council Area of Kwara State, surfaced online.

In the video, several women and young children, including infants, were paraded by the terrorists looking distressed and helpless.

A voice believed to be that of one of the attackers was heard behind the camera speaking in Hausa and questioning the victims about their numbers and were they were captured because they were quite a handful.

During the question and answer session the women and children responded that they were taken from Woro in Kaiama council so that their relations will know they are still alive.

“When asked how many they were, they answered that they were 176 in number. The same question was repeated to another woman in the video to confirm the figure.

” The person behind the camera also claimed that authorities had earlier announced a lower number of victims and said the video was proof of the actual figure.

“The victims were abducted after armed attackers invaded Woro community on February 3, 2025. During the attack, many lives were lost and homes were destroyed.

” The emergence of this video has increased fear and concern among residents and families of the victims.

“The people of the area continue to hope for the safe return of their loved ones and a lasting solution to the security challenges.” Said a source from the state.

Kwara Residents Call on the Federal Government to Rescue Residents Captured in Woro as a Video of Abductees Surfaces Online

Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.

Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.

The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.

According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.

The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.

Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger