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Wanted drug baron behind 4 cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested
Wanted drug baron behind 4 cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have taken into custody a wanted drug baron, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu (a.k.a Barryshine) two years after coming under the radar of the anti-narcotics agency.
Suleiman who is the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, according to a statement on Friday by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi came under the agency’s watchlist over his alleged role in four foiled attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos between 2022 and 2024.
Babafemi said the alleged drug baron, name first featured on November 13, 2022, when a female passenger on Qatar airlines flight to Saudi Arabia, Alhaja Ajisegiri Sidika was arrested at the MMIA in possession of 400 grammes of cocaine, which was concealed inside female footwears.
He said investigations later revealed that one Abdullahi Ramon, who is a brother to Suleiman hired the arrested drug courier, with further facts subsequently emerging that the flight tickets and other travel expenses of the suspect were sourced by Alhaji Suleiman Aremu.
Babafemi said a few days after the arrest of Ajisegiri Sidika, another drug mule, Lawal Oyenuga was arrested on November 24, 2022, with the same quantity of cocaine, 400 grammes, concealed in male footwears while going to the same destination, Saudi Arabia.
The suspect, Lawal Oyenuga on his arrest and interrogation, confessed that one Wasiu Gbolahan (a.k.a Teacher) who was later arrested and convicted by the court, hired him for Suleiman. Lawal further alleged that Wasiu Gbolahan linked him up with the baron through one Igbono, who was later unveiled through investigation as Oluwafemi Abidoye (a.k.a Igbono, Murphy, Femi Iwaya, Ade Iwaya, Baba Eje and Ejeoto)
Babafemi said, while investigation of the two cases subsisted and the manhunt for the baron was ongoing, two drug mules were arrested at the MMIA on June 21, 2024 on their way to Doha, Qatar. One of the suspects who was later identified as Aikhomoun Daniel (a.k.a Oladapo Olanrewaju) digested in observation custody a total of 90 pellets of cocaine, weighing 1.022 kilogrammes, which he ingested, while the second suspect, Ayigoro Omobolaji excreted 60 wraps of cocaine with a total weight of 662 grammes.
He said further investigation later revealed that the two arrested couriers, Aikhomoun Daniel and Ayigoro Omobolaji were recruited by the same Igbono who works for the baron and featured in 2022 during the arrest of Ajesegiri Sidika and Lawal Oyenuga.
He added that financial investigation conducted by the agency also linked the baron Suleiman to the arrested suspects and two of his associates who recruit traffickers for him: Oluwafemi Abidoye and Olanrewaju Ramon, both currently at large.
The spokesman said as a result, the agency blocked the bank accounts linked to members of the cartel after which Suleiman was eventually taken into custody on August 26, 2024 for further investigation.
In his statements, Suleiman was said to have claimed he is into property development and hotel management while he lives in Lagos and Paris, France.
He also stated that he runs another business that deals in cloths with his wife at Balogun market, Lagos Island, adding that his regular visits to Saudi Arabia was to perform lesser hajj.
He said he holds the traditional title of Akeweje of Yaba (Youth Leader of Yaba Land). Already, some properties traced to Suleiman include: two houses at 63 and 72 Queens Street, Ebute-Meta and his Barryshine hotel at 95 Freeman street, Yaba, Lagos.
Meanwhile, Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court, Lagos has granted an application by the NDLEA for the extension of the detention of the drug kingpin Suleiman for 30 days and to declare his two associates: Oluwafemi Abidoye and Olanrewaju Ramon, both currently at large, wanted.
Ruling on the motion ex-parte in suit number: FHC/L/MISC/555/24, Justice Dipeolu said: “an order is hereby made declaring one Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye a.ka ‘Igbono’, ‘Murphy’, ‘Femi Iwaya’, ‘Ade Iwaya’, ‘Baba Eje’, ‘Ejeoto’ wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Barryshine).”
The judge also ruled that “an order is hereby made declaring one Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulahi wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in the drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Baryshine) with respect to the arrest of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika who was arrested at MMIA Ikeja-Lagos during outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight to Saudi Arabia with 400 grammes of cocaine concealed in foot wears.”
Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for the painstaking two years investigation that culminated in the conviction of three traffickers and the eventual arrest of the kingpin behind the cartel. He said this demonstrates that the long arm of the law will always get whoever is involved in the criminal trade no matter how long it takes.
Wanted drug baron behind 4 cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested
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Several ISIS Trainers from Iraq Among 175 Terrorists Killed in Joint Nigeria-US Airstrikes
Several ISIS Trainers from Iraq Among 175 Terrorists Killed in Joint Nigeria-US Airstrikes
By: Zagazola Makama
Several foreign ISIS trainers from Iraq were among 175 terrorists eliminated during ongoing joint counter-insurgency operations conducted in the joint United States Africa Command and Nigeria’s military airstrikes in North-East Nigeria.
Sources who disclosed this on Tuesday described the coordinated offensives as a major breakthrough against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and allied terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad region.
According to the sources, the strikes, which commenced a few days ago, targeted terrorist camps, logistics hubs, weapons caches, checkpoints and financial networks used to sustain insurgent operations across parts of Borno and surrounding areas.
The authorities said intelligence assessments confirmed that several foreign ISIS operatives and trainers linked to Iraq-based extremist networks were neutralised alongside scores of local fighters during the precision strikes.
On ground assessment indicated that several foreign fighters also met their waterloo. The fighters were in charge of training and responsible for the ISWAP drone command.
Sources said that the foreign trainers were planing to leave within two days before the strikes that eliminated several of them.
Military had previously announced the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, aka Abbor Mainok described by the military as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally and a key figure in the group’s international terror coordination structure.
The military said Al-Minuki played central roles in terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics coordination and attack planning linked to ISIS operations targeting Nigeria and other countries.
Other senior terrorist figures reportedly eliminated included Abd-al Wahhab, said to be responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda activities for ISWAP, Abu Musa al-Mangawi, a senior operational commander, and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, identified as a senior media production manager and close associate of Al-Minuki.
Military authorities stated that the successful operations had significantly disrupted ISIS leadership structures, operational coordination and external attack capabilities within the region.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria further reiterated their commitment to sustaining joint operations with international partners to eliminate terrorist threats and restore lasting peace and stability in the North-East.
The military high command added that efforts to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents and dismantle remaining terrorist enclaves were ongoing.
Several ISIS Trainers from Iraq Among 175 Terrorists Killed in Joint Nigeria-US Airstrikes
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TROOPS OF 4 BRIGADE BUST KIDNAPPERS’ HIDEOUTS, ARREST 12 SUSPECTS IN OWAN EAST AND ESAN SOUTH-EAST LGAs OF EDO STATE
TROOPS OF 4 BRIGADE BUST KIDNAPPERS’ HIDEOUTS, ARREST 12 SUSPECTS IN OWAN EAST AND ESAN SOUTH-EAST LGAs OF EDO STATE
By: Our Reporter
Troops of 4 Brigade, under 2 Division Nigerian Army, in conjunction with the other security agencies and the Edo State Security Corps, arrested a total of 12 suspected kidnappers during clearance operations that started on 12 May 2026 in Owan East and Esan South-East Local Government Areas of Edo State.
During the operation, code-named Operation KO SALO, troops cleared Ugbovbighan Village, Olelo Forest, Egoro Amede Village, and conducted cordon-and-search operations at the Rugan Fulani settlement. Three suspected criminals namely; Ishaya Obadis, aged 20, Markus Ballu, aged 35, and Godknows Owonoji, aged 30, were arrested at Olelo Forest. Items recovered from the suspects included two motorcycles and two mobile phones. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were collaborators and logistics suppliers to kidnappers. Consequently, the suspects were handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further action.
In a related development, troops further cleared Ekeke Forest, Ishiolili Village, and Camp Sule Rugan Fulani, all in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. During the clearance operation, two suspects namely; Bala Mahmood, aged 70, and Ibrahim Abdullahi, aged 25, were arrested. Items recovered from them included dangerous weapons and one small Tecno mobile phone. The suspects and recovered items were also handed over to the Ekpoma Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.
Similarly, troops proceeded to clear Uwarlor-Oke Forest in Esan North-East Local Government Area, as well as the Udo Government Reserve Forest in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State. During the operation, seven suspected kidnappers namely; Isah Shehu, aged 25, Hamadu Safiyanu, aged 22, Tijani Shehu, aged 24, Yahaya Babangida, aged 25, Usman Hamza, aged 26, Abduladi Saleh, aged 23, and Gadafi Tukur, aged 27, were arrested within the Uwarlor-Oke Forest. Items recovered from the suspects included one motorcycle and two itel mobile phones. The suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Amendokhian Police Division for further action.
Also, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Police Force and local vigilantes conducted operations at Emu Forest in Emu, Esan South East Local Government Area, Edo State. During the operation, troops extensively searched Otobo Camp and Nnamdo Camp, one locally made long barrel gun and one motorcycle were recovered. Recovered items were deposited at Ubiaja Police Division for further action. Troops continue with the ongoing operation aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements.
The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and charged them to sustain the operational tempo towards dismantling all kidnappers’ hideouts across Edo State. He also reassured members of the public of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at eradicating kidnapping and protecting lives and property. The Commander urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations. He further appreciated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife for his strategic guidance and support which he said has fostered operational excellence.
TROOPS OF 4 BRIGADE BUST KIDNAPPERS’ HIDEOUTS, ARREST 12 SUSPECTS IN OWAN EAST AND ESAN SOUTH-EAST LGAs OF EDO STATE
Seven Killed, Kafin Hausa Chairman Injured in Jigawa Auto Crash
By: Zagazola Makama
Seven persons have died while the Chairman of Kafin Hausa Local Government Area sustained injuries following a fatal motor accident along the Malam Madori–Hadejia Road in Jigawa State.
Police sources said the accident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on May 18, 2026, at Kashin Dila Junction involving a Toyota Starlet and a black Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle.
According to the sources, the Toyota Starlet, driven by Adamu Dakido, was conveying passengers from Hadejia to Malam Madori when it collided head-on with the GLK vehicle conveying the Chairman of Kafin Hausa Local Government Area and his driver from Gumel to Kafin Hausa.
The sources stated that all six occupants of the Toyota Starlet died on the spot due to the impact of the collision.
The driver of the GLK vehicle also reportedly lost his life instantly, while the council chairman sustained varying degrees of injuries.
A patrol team of the Nigeria Police Force was said to have responded swiftly to the scene and evacuated the injured victim and corpses to the General Hospital, Hadejia.
Police authorities said investigation into the cause of the accident was ongoing.
Seven Killed, Kafin Hausa Chairman Injured in Jigawa Auto Crash
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