NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Mortar, Backpack Bound for China, Italy; Arrests Suspected Drug Dealers Nationwide

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted cocaine consignments ingeniously concealed in a local mortar and the false bottom of a backpack destined for China and Italy, as it intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates.

The seizures, made by operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) at a Lagos logistics company on Thursday, involved 250 grammes of cocaine factory-fitted into the base of a traditional local mortar packaged for export to China and 500 grammes of cocaine hidden in the false compartment of a backpack bound for Italy.

The latest interceptions came as the anti-narcotics agency recorded a string of major arrests and seizures across Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Nasarawa and Zamfara states.

In Rivers State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 38-year-old suspected notorious drug dealer, Ugo Okonkwo, at Eagle Island, Port Harcourt, following intelligence-led surveillance. Various quantities of cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, swinol, tramadol and codeine syrup were recovered from him during the operation.

In Anambra State, officers on a stop-and-search operation at the DMGS Roundabout, Onitsha, intercepted a truck bearing registration number XK 131 BDG loaded with 26,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 3,960 kilogrammes. The truck driver, Chinedu Nwanze, 40, was arrested.

Similarly, in Delta State, operatives recovered 331.84 kilogrammes of skunk from a Toyota Sienna bus with registration number KUJ 26 DV along the Kwale-Ughelli Expressway.

In Nasarawa State, a 64-year-old suspect, Joseph Nwaeke, was arrested at Asso Angwan Muazu in Karu Local Government Area with 68 kilograms of skunk and 29 grams of methamphetamine.

In Zamfara State, NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Zaria-Gusau Highway intercepted Sani Umar, 27, who was allegedly transporting 7,400 tablets of Tramadol 225mg, suspected to be supplies intended for criminal and bandit groups operating in the region.

According to the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, beyond enforcement operations, the agency sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign across the country. Sensitisation programmes during the week were conducted for students and staff in Kano, Oyo and Taraba States, as well as commercial drivers at Challenge Bus Terminal Park in Ibadan.

Commending officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations and the commands in Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Nasarawa and Zamfara for the successful operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), urged them to sustain the agency’s balanced strategy of aggressive enforcement alongside preventive drug abuse education.

The latest seizures underscore the evolving methods employed by drug trafficking networks and the agency’s continued efforts to disrupt both domestic distribution channels and international smuggling routes.

NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Mortar, Backpack Bound for China, Italy; Arrests Suspected Drug Dealers Nationwide

Yobe Police arrests drug Baron

By: Yahaya Wakili

In its efforts to combat crimes across the state, the Yobe State Police Command has arrested a suspected drug baron and recovered eight cartons of assorted illicit drugs and one and a half Ghana-Must-Go bags containing tramadol and Exzol tablets.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin psc, mspsp, SM, ICM, while addressing members of the journalists at the Command Headquarters, Damaturu.

The command also successfully uncovered a suspected drug warehouse in Potiskum as well as 835,500, suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug trafficking.

“Despite violent resistance from members of the criminal syndicate, police operatives successfully repelled the attack and are intensifying efforts to apprehend fleeing accomplices,” CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin said.

He revealed that the command recorded 407 criminal cases, comprising 31 murder cases, 35 rape cases, 8 kidnapping cases, 11 armed robbery cases, and 322 other offenses, and, in addition, a total of 448 suspects were arrested for various offenses.

The commissioner further said the command secured 152 convictions, while 127 cases are currently before competent courts, 69 cases remain pending, 17 case files are awaiting legal advice, and 42 cases resulted in acquittals.

According to the CP Jibrin, the command also arrested a suspected kidnapping kingpin and armed robbery suspect who had been on the command’s watchlist for allegedly threatening victims and demanding huge ransom payments.

“The suspect is believed to have operated across Yobe, Bauchi, and Gombe states, while investigation continues to arrest other members of the criminal network,” the commissioner added.

Yobe Police arrests drug Baron

Several Bandits Killed in Heavy Gun-battle as Troops Clash with Ado Allero-led Bandits in North-West

By: Zagazola Makama

A heavy gun battle is currently ongoing between troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and bandits loyal to notorious kingpin Ado Allero in a fresh military offensive in the North-West of Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara state.

Zagazola Makama gathered from security sources that the fierce exchange of gunfire began after troops made contact with the armed bandits during an ongoing operation aimed at disrupting the activities of the criminal group.

Sources said the confrontation involves troops deploying superior firepower against the heavily armed bandits, who are moving in large numbers.

Military sources described the encounter as “intense,” adding that additional troops and air surveillance assets were being coordinated to support the ongoing operation where necessary.

Ado Allero is one of the most wanted bandit leaders operating across parts of Zamfara, Katsina and neighbouring states. His network has been linked to numerous attacks on rural communities, kidnappings and cattle rustling. Security forces have repeatedly targeted his camps under the ongoing Operation FANSAN YAMMA in efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit enclaves across the North-West.

Further details are expected as the military operation continues.

Several Bandits Killed in Heavy Gun-battle as Troops Clash with Ado Allero-led Bandits in North-West