The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 11 in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State has commenced early mobilisation ahead of forthcoming elections, holding a general meeting that drew party executives and key stakeholders.
The meeting attracted the full complement of the Ward 11 executive committee alongside critical stakeholders and party leaders, and was marked by a strong atmosphere of unity, reconciliation, and renewed commitment.
Opening the session, ward chairman, Chief Roji Lawrence, welcomed members and expressed satisfaction over the turnout, describing the meeting as the first major convergence since the formal defection of former PDP members into the APC fold.
“Today, I am truly happy as Chairman because we are now one united family,” Chief Lawrence declared, emphasizing that the era of division within the ward had been decisively laid to rest.
In his remarks, host and APC chieftain, High Chief Brodericks Arigbodi, commended members for their impressive turnout and unwavering loyalty to the party.
He recalled that the ward’s previous unity and dedication paved the way for the historic emergence of its first-ever Honourable Commissioner.
He urged party faithful to intensify their grassroots mobilization ahead of the next general elections, noting that a repeat of Ward 11’s top electoral performance could translate into even greater political dividends for the area.
Speaking on behalf of the Delta State Government, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, briefed the meeting on the outcome of the APC high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Asaba recently.
He conveyed the Governor’s directive to party leaders at all levels to aggressively mobilize members for the ongoing APC membership e-registration exercise.
Prof. Tonukari also stressed the urgency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration, urging eligible residents—particularly newly eligible voters, those with lost PVCs, and individuals seeking transfer of polling units to Ward 11—to promptly visit the INEC office in Isiokolo to complete their registration.
Reinforcing the message of harmony, Hon. Okakuro Oghorodi Ejuvwekpokpo affirmed that all lingering disagreements within the ward had been resolved.
He noted that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori are working in unity, with the Governor acknowledged as the leader of the party in the state.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for grassroots engagement, as concerns were raised over graduate unemployment within the ward.
While some unit representatives appealed for increased employment opportunities through the Commissioner’s office, Professor Tonukari responded that the state government had already made significant progress by engaging numerous youths across various state institutions.
A retired police officer, Sani Dangwaggo, popularly known as Sani Jaman, has died at the age of 58.
Dangwaggo, who voluntarily retired from the Nigeria Police Force in early 2018 with the rank of Inspector, passed away on Saturday at a private hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.
Until his death, he served as a security aide to the Senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.
He was widely regarded for his professionalism, loyalty, and dedication to duty.
Reacting to the loss, Senator Wamakko, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Bashar Abubakar, expressed deep shock, describing the deceased as exceptionally committed and dependable.
“He is one of the most reliable security personnel I have ever worked with. He was honest, and he loved and respected his job,” the Senator said.
Wamakko also prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the late officer and asked for strength and comfort for his family in the face of the loss.
Late Sani Dangwaggo is survived by two wives, seven children, and his elderly mother, Hajiya Safiya.
Family sources said details of the funeral prayer will be announced in due course, in line with Islamic rites.
The member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency, Rep. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has assured communities in Owhe Clan of the timely completion of the ongoing power infrastructure upgrade in the area.
Ukodhiko gave the assurance during a meeting with President Generals (PGs) of Owhe Clan communities yesterday at his country home in Erawha-Owhe, where issues of community development, peace, and protection of public infrastructure were discussed.
He thanked the PGs for honouring his invitation and commended them for their sustained support, stressing that peace, unity, and collective responsibility are critical to grassroots development.
The lawmaker congratulated the newly elected President General of Akiewhe Community, Hon. Herbert Erah, and urged community leaders to promote peace—especially among youths—and safeguard public assets to ensure the success of government projects.
Briefing the leaders on the status of the ongoing electricity upgrade, Rep. Ukodhiko, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, expressed concern over delays by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in energising and commissioning the upgraded 33kV power line serving the clan.
He criticised the demand for huge electricity arrears from communities that have suffered prolonged irregular power supply, insisting that development issues should not be politicised.
The federal lawmaker assured the PGs that he remained committed to resolving the power challenges and that the upgrade would be completed soon.
He also condemned the vandalism of newly installed 33kVA transformers within the clan and appealed to community leaders to take ownership of government facilities by ensuring their protection.
On solar street lighting, Ukodhiko explained that communities yet to benefit should exercise patience, noting that over 1,700 additional solar street light units would soon be deployed across Isoko land to guarantee fairness and equitable distribution.
Speaking on behalf of the Owhe PGs, the leader of the Owhe PGs Forum, Dr. Israel Adaigho, commended Rep. Ukodhiko for his people-centred interventions, including transformer upgrades, scholarships, solar street lights, hospital equipment, and the rehabilitation of the Owhe water reticulation system.
Dr. Adaigho appealed for the provision of additional transformers for Otie, Enuru, and Otor-Owhe communities.
He also requested the installation of solar streetlights at transformer locations to deter vandalism, as well as stipends to support community vigilante groups.
In his closing remarks, Rep. Ukodhiko disclosed that MTN would soon commence the installation of a multi-service telecommunications mast in Erawha-Owhe, a development expected to resolve persistent network challenges affecting Otor-Igho and neighbouring communities.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with renewed commitment to peace, community development, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders in the Owhe Clan.
…as youth, clergy gather for Pastor S.G.O. Uyeh public lecture
Youths, adults, and adolescents gathered in Ketu, Lagos, for the second edition of the Pastor S.G.O. Uyeh Public Lecture, an event celebrating the legacy of Pastor Gabriel Okpako-Uyeh, who is 82 years old, while engaging the next generation of leaders.
Themed “The Place and Impact of Christian Youth in National Transformation and Development,” the lecture was delivered by Elder Toyin Ayinde, a former Lagos State Commissioner and founding member of the Committee for the Welfare of Youth of the Church.
Ayinde, recognised as a leading mentor in youth development, focused on practical insights for empowering young people rather than preaching.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Pastor Emmanuel Olowoyeye, Provost of LAWNA Theological Seminary, followed by a keynote address from Pastor Lawrence Olusesan Oladele, President of The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN).
Olowoyeye noted that the overwhelming success of the maiden edition in July 2025 inspired the second lecture, which was initially scheduled for December 2025 but moved to January 17, 2026.
He described the initiative as a platform to sustain Pastor Uyeh’s values and support young people in achieving their aspirations.
In his address, Pastor Oladele highlighted the relevance of the theme in bridging the generational gap and underscored the historic role of the church in Africa’s transformation.
He urged young people to embrace responsibility in shaping both the church and society, announcing the establishment of a dedicated youth ministry to identify and harness their strengths for national development.
Elder Ayinde emphasised the critical role of youth in societal progress, declaring, “Youth are critical to the emancipation of any society. They represent the promise of sustainability. Any system without vibrant and engaged youth is in terminal decline.”
Drawing from biblical examples such as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Joseph, he highlighted integrity, resilience, competence, wisdom, and servant leadership as essential qualities for young leaders.
He urged young people to reject the notion that they are merely “leaders of tomorrow,” stressing that they are “leaders of today, in preparation for tomorrow.”
Ayinde also cautioned against seeking instant success, noting that character and process—illustrated by David’s years in the fields, Daniel’s studies, and Jesus’ time in carpentry—are essential for sustainable leadership.
He called on the church to prioritise discipleship that integrates civic responsibility and leadership training, encouraging leaders to intentionally identify young people of character, competence, and conviction to drive societal and church renewal.
“Youth must be entrusted with real responsibilities—projects, initiatives, and problem-solving tasks—because transformation requires strength, speed, and alertness,” he said.
The session sparked lively interactions, with enthusiastic applause and a series of questions from the audience, reflecting the strong engagement of the young participants.
The event also doubled as a celebration of Pastor Uyeh, who turned 82 on Sunday, January 18. His journey with The Apostolic Church Nigeria began at a young age, following his conversion in 1962.
He has since served in various capacities, and in November 2023, he was elected the sixth Territorial Chairman of the LAWNA Territory. He later became the National Vice President of TACN.
Pastor Uyeh has also made notable contributions to the wider Christian community, including participating in the translation of the Bible and the TAC Redemption Hymnal into the Isoko language, as well as helping to establish The Apostolic Church in Isokoland.
Tributes poured in throughout the event, with the youth especially expressing deep affection for him. Cheers erupted each time his name was mentioned, climaxing in the cutting of a birthday cake in his honour.
Enrollment at Federal Technical Colleges surged last year by more than 300% after President Bola Tinubu announced mouth-watering incentives for students interested in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Among the incentives were free tuition, free feeding, free accommodation, and a monthly stipend of N22,500 to the students.
Speaking at NABTEB headquarters in Benin City, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, said the entrance examination would be conducted nationwide on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at approved examination centres across the country.
Dr. Aminu said registration for the examination into Federal Technical Colleges would commence on Monday, 26 January 2026, and close on Sunday, 24 May 2026
Reaffirming the readiness and institutional capacity to deliver a smooth, transparent, and hitch-free registration process, Dr. Aminu said TVET remained a critical pillar of Nigeria’s education and skills development agenda.
He said the Board has put in place comprehensive administrative and technological measures to ensure that prospective candidates, parents, guardians, and school administrators experience a user-friendly and stress-free registration process.
According to him, “These measures are designed to eliminate bottlenecks, enhance access nationwide, and uphold the highest standards of examination integrity.
“In furtherance of this objective, NABTEB has approved an extended registration timeline spanning four months, a deliberate policy decision intended to allow adequate preparation time for candidates while minimising congestion on the registration platform.
“The policy decision will also reduce financial and logistical pressure on parents and guardians and enable schools to properly guide candidates through the registration process.”
The NABTEB boss warned against the use of unauthorised agents, cyber cafés, or third-party platforms for registration.
Traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno in 2027.
The traditional rulers comprising paramount rulers, clan, village, and family heads and their spouses drawn from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District made the declaration at a special rally at Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday, citing the developmental strides of the trio as reasons for their collective endorsement.
Setting the tone at the ceremony, Itai Afe Annang, the paramount traditional ruler and leader of Afe Annang, and Obong Blaise Awakama, who chaired the event, said for the first time in the history of Akwa Ibom State, traditional rulers gathered together to recognise the good deeds of their distinguished sons.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, quoted Obong Awakama to have said: “The traditional rulers are saying they have seen the good deeds of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, before he became the President, turned around Lagos State.
“They have seen the economic reforms of the President, which have made more money available to the states and local government areas to carry out developmental projects.
“They have gathered together to say they have seen the uncommon deeds of our distinguished son, Senator Godswill Akpabio, right from the time he was Governor of Akwa Ibom State, he turned the State into the heaven that we see today.
“They have recognised what he had done as a Senate Minority Leader and as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs when he completed the present headquarters complex of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and several other developmental projects across the region.
“We also note what he has achieved as an uncommon Senate President through enactment of people-oriented legislation like the creation of the development commissions, students loan Act, and others too numerous to mention.
“The traditional rulers are saying they have seen the God-sent Golden Boy of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who has brought peace to the State and has not concentrated development in the urban centres alone but has taken development to the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom State, and they say they cannot see all these things and keep quiet.”
He said the traditional rulers, having seen acts of good governance of the trio, wanted to publicly register their support and endorse them to return in 2027 to continue with their good works.
Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and the Paramount Ruler of Abak, His Royal Majesty, Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, said their endorsement of Tinubu, Akpabio, and Eno was in recognition of their proven leadership capacity, good governance, and sustained public service at both the Federal and State levels.
After a unanimous voice vote to adopt the trio, Akuku Udofia said, “This endorsement represents the collective decision of the Traditional Rulers Council in support of their leadership and to promote peace, unity, good governance, and constructive engagements with the traditional rulers.”
Receiving the memorandum of endorsement, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, said the endorsement by the traditional rulers was unprecedented and thanked them for their continuous support.
On his part, Senator Akpabio, who accepted the endorsement for himself and on behalf of President Tinubu, said the gesture was uncommon and thanked the traditional institution for the recognition and assured that President Tinubu was working very hard to make life more meaningful for all Nigerians.
According to Akpabio, Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District would double its votes for President Tinubu, Governor Eno, and himself, and urged the traditional rulers to take the message home and sensitise their subjects to register and get their permanent voters’ card in readiness for the 2027 general elections.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Leonard Uguru, has assured Nigerians that the new federal tax reform will ease the financial burden on low-income earners while increasing obligations for high-income individuals.
Speaking in an interview with reporters in Abakaliki, Uguru described the policy as people-centred and progressive. He explained that under the revised tax regime, individuals earning below ₦1.2 million annually are exempt from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax, emphasising that the reform is designed to protect the common citizen.
“The new tax reform is so flexible that even if you are not earning up to ₦1.2 million annually, you are exempted from tax. The tax is more on those who have much. The rich will pay more tax than the poor,” Uguru said.
He acknowledged that the reform may initially reduce states’ revenue from personal income tax but noted that the impact would be mitigated through alternative sources such as Value Added Tax (VAT) and electronic money transfer levies, ultimately benefiting citizens.
While urging citizens not to panic as the policy is ultimately designed to improve welfare and economic equity across the country, Mr Uguru revealed that the state government would carry out public awareness campaigns on the new tax reform.
On Ebonyi State’s revenue performance, the commissioner revealed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has recorded significant improvement under the current administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
According to him, since the government assumed office in June 2023, Ebonyi had never crossed ₦2 billion in monthly IGR until December 2025, when it generated about ₦2.1 billion.
“We have different strategies on the ground to ensure that we continue to improve on the IGR of the state,” Uguru said, adding that revenue generated in the previous year was sufficient to cater for the state’s budgetary needs up to December 25, 2025.
He also attributed Ebonyi’s strong showing in financial transparency to robust institutional processes, following the state’s achievement of a 100 percent score in the 2025 Budget Fiscal Transparency League.
“Everything approved by the government is captured in the budget, and whatever the government does is published on the state’s website. Whether you are in Lagos or California, you can see what is happening in Ebonyi as far as financial management is concerned,” he said.
Uguru emphasized that prudent financial management has enabled the state to deliver visible infrastructure despite receiving one of the lowest allocations from the Federation Account.
He added that since May 29, 2023, the state has not borrowed any funds until provisions were made in the 2026 budget for a loan targeted at economic development.
The proposed borrowing, he explained, is intended for the establishment of a cement factory to create jobs and generate revenue.
He, however, dismissed fears surrounding the plan, arguing that government involvement is necessary given the huge capital required for such projects.
Addressing concerns about multiple taxation and revenue leakages, the commissioner acknowledged that while no system is perfect, the government is committed to blocking identified loopholes and ensuring fair taxation to attract investors.
“We are relaxing some tax rules so that investors will not run away. Ebonyi is still a young state that needs investors to grow,” he said.
Women’s football is undergoing a financial revolution, with record-breaking transfers highlighting the sport’s rapid growth, commercial value, and global appeal. Seven-figure deals, once unimaginable, are now becoming the standard as top clubs across Europe and the United States compete fiercely for the world’s best talent.
Over the past year, the women’s transfer market has repeatedly set new benchmarks, showcasing players who are reshaping the game both on and off the pitch. From commanding defenders to explosive forwards, these transfers reflect the ambition of clubs and the rising value of elite players.
Here are the seven most expensive players in women’s football, ranked from the highest fee down:
1. Grace Geyoro (PSG → London City Lionesses)
On WSL deadline day, London City Lionesses completed a €1.65 million (£1.43 million / $1.93 million) deal for Paris Saint-Germain captain Grace Geyoro, making her the most expensive player in women’s football history. Backed by billionaire owner Michele Kang, the move signaled the Lionesses’ top-flight ambition and the growing financial muscle in the women’s game.
2. Lizbeth Ovalle (Tigres → Orlando Pride)
Orlando Pride briefly held the world-record transfer in August 2025, paying $1.5 million (£1.1 million) for Mexican international Lizbeth Ovalle. Despite interest from European giants like Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, the 25-year-old winger opted for the NWSL champions, highlighting the American league’s rising influence.
3. Alyssa Thompson (Angel City → Chelsea)
Chelsea made headlines by signing Alyssa Thompson from Angel City during the WSL summer transfer window. While the exact fee was undisclosed, reports suggest it approached world-record levels, surpassing previous club records and demonstrating Chelsea’s ambition in European women’s football.
4. Olivia Smith (Liverpool → Arsenal)
In July 2025, Arsenal broke the record by signing 20-year-old forward Olivia Smith for £1 million. Smith had impressed during Liverpool’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over the Gunners earlier that year, and her transfer reflected both her potential and Arsenal’s intent to stay competitive at the top of the Women’s Super League.
Naomi Girma became the first million-dollar player in women’s football when Chelsea signed the 24-year-old U.S. international for £883,000 ($1.1 million) in January 2025. Already a standout centre-back with NWSL and Olympic success, Girma’s transfer set a benchmark for defensive talent valuation in the women’s game.
6. Catarina Macario (OL Reign → Barcelona)
Barcelona made waves by signing Brazilian-born midfielder Catarina Macario from OL Reign for a reported €900,000 (£780,000). The 24-year-old playmaker, known for her vision and creativity, reinforced Barcelona’s dominance in Europe and highlighted the growing international movement of top female talent.
7. Keira Walsh (Manchester City → PSG)
Manchester City midfielder Keira Walsh joined PSG in a deal reportedly worth €850,000 (£740,000), making her one of the most expensive midfielders in women’s football history. The England international’s passing range and tactical intelligence justified the hefty fee, showcasing the premium placed on elite midfield talent.
These landmark deals reflect the growing financial clout, global attention, and competitive ambition in women’s football. With clubs continuing to chase elite talent, the transfer market is expected to see even higher fees in the coming years.
Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact arm of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 17th Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment across Nigeria.
The Sahara Go Recycling Initiative promotes a circular economy by diverting recyclable waste from landfills, improving resource recovery, and creating income opportunities for households through waste-to-wealth interventions.
The newly commissioned hub expands the Foundation’s growing recycling footprint across Lagos, extending access to structured, community-led recycling solutions in emerging urban communities.
Strategically located within Ibeju-Lekki, the hub is designed to encourage responsible waste disposal while enabling residents to earn value from recyclable materials.
Notably, it is the second Sahara Go Recycling Hub to feature a solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to integrating clean energy and innovation into grassroots sustainability initiatives.
The RVM allows residents to conveniently deposit recyclable materials and receive instant rewards, reinforcing positive environmental behaviour.
Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, said the initiative reflects the Foundation’s focus on practical, people-centred solutions.
“The Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki is more than a recycling point; it is a platform for dignity, livelihoods, and environmental responsibility. By bringing structured recycling closer to communities, we are empowering residents to participate meaningfully in protecting their environment while creating economic value.”
The commissioning ceremony was attended by representatives of Sahara Group and Sahara Group Foundation, the Executive Chairman and Vice Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, community leaders, partners, and residents of Ibeju-Lekki, reflecting strong local engagement and shared ownership of the initiative.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Olowa Abdullahi Sesan, emphasised the significance of the Sahara Go Recycling Hub to residents of Ibeju-Lekki, particularly given its strategic location within the community.
He described the hub as timely and impactful, noting its alignment with the local government’s sustainability and development priorities. He highlighted the initiative’s role in transforming waste into resources, reducing environmental impact, supporting climate action, and creating livelihood opportunities within the community.
The Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Isiaka Yusuf Olatunji, encouraged residents to actively participate in the programme, emphasizing the importance of responsible waste practices to ensure long-term community benefits.
Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 660 tonnes of recyclable waste, facilitated more than ₦93 million in payouts, and positively impacted over 1,700 households by creating alternative income streams across Lagos.
Also speaking at the event, Rita Idehai, CEO of Ecobarter, said: “Our collaboration with Sahara Group Foundation in Ibeju-Lekki highlights the power of partnerships in delivering scalable, community-focused recycling solutions.
Together, we are encouraging responsible waste practices while ensuring that communities directly benefit from sustainability initiatives.”
Reiterating the Foundation’s long-term vision, Menakaya added, “Sahara Go Recycling is creating a ripple effect across Lagos by changing perceptions around waste and demonstrating its economic value. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we are building sustainable ecosystems that will benefit present and future generations.”
Sahara Group Foundation will continue to expand the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative across Lagos and beyond, in line with its mission of Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship.
…seizes bags of explosives heading to Kano, Kaduna
…Edo village head, 72-year-old grandpa, others in custody as Agency recovers tons of illicit drugs in raids across states
A 30-year-old Brazilian lady, Ms. Ingrid Rosa Benevides, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for bringing into Nigeria a total of 30.09 kilograms of white heroin concealed in factory-sealed coffee packs worth over N3 billion in street value.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Babafemi said the suspect, who works as a private security officer in Brazil, was arrested at the Abuja airport on Friday, 23rd January 2026, upon her arrival on a Qatar Airways flight QR1431, following processed intelligence.
The NDLEA Spokesman said after her arrest, a search was conducted on her two checked-in bags, where 21 factory-sealed packets of Brazilian coffee were found.
He said when the coffee bags were opened, rather than containing the beverage, what was found inside were white substances that later tested positive for heroin, weighing a total of 30.09 kilograms, making it the single largest heroin seizure at the Abuja airport.
Babafemi said during her preliminary interview, the suspect claimed she brought the white heroin consignment under the guise of coming to Nigeria for holidays.
He also said at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Tuesday, 20th January, intercepted two passengers: Adediran Adedoyin and Afatakpa Ochuko, who were heading to Istanbul, Turkey, aboard a Turkish Airlines flight with a total of 3,990 pills of tapentadol 250mg and tramadol 225mg concealed in food items packed in their bags.
He added that meanwhile, operatives of the Marine Command of the Agency in the early hours of Thursday, 22nd January, intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 44 jumbo bags of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 1,848 kilograms, at the Jakande beach in Lekki, Lagos.
Babafemi said the shipment had barely arrived from Ghana when NDLEA officers, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the location around 1 am, recovered the consignment and the boat.
He said two suspects: Aminu Ali Baba, 20, and Abdulrasheed Abubakar, 28, were on Friday 23rd January arrested by NDLEA operatives in connection with the seizure of two bags containing 140 packets of explosives heading to Kano and Kaduna.
Babafemi said the bags were intercepted in a commercial bus along the Kaduna-Zaria highway, Zaria, while Aminu Ali Baba was arrested at Karota Park in Kano, and Abdulrasheed Abubakar was nabbed at Mando Park in Kaduna in swift follow-up operations.
The statement reads, “An intelligence-led raid at Kwangila, Zaria LGA, Kaduna, on Thursday, 22nd January, led to the arrest of Fatima Ibrahim, 42, and Adejimoh Ismaila, 44, with 120 kilograms of skunk recovered from them.
“As part of efforts to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs to terror groups, NDLEA operatives in Borno state on Wednesday, 21st January, intercepted 179,590 pills of tramadol and diazepam concealed in sacks of charcoal and animal feeds in a public transport car coming from Potiskum, Yobe. A follow-up operation at Bulabulin, Maiduguri, led to the arrest of the owner, Rabiu Imam, 32.
“A female suspect, Mrs. Eze Cynthia Chioma, was arrested on Friday, 23rd January, in Mokwa, Niger state, in a follow-up operation by NDLEA operatives following the seizure of her consignment of 78,500 pills of tramadol the same day at Bode Saadu, Kwara state, in a truck coming from Lagos. Her husband, currently remanded in prison and facing trial, was arrested for the same drug trafficking offence last year.
“In Ekiti, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, 24th January arrested 72-year-old Afolalu Joseph at his 15 Aramoko road, Mushin, Ilawe-Ekiti, and Abu Bunmi (alias Go Slow), 45, at New Jerusalem area, Erijinyan road, Ilawe-Ekiti, for illicit drug dealing. A total of 62 kilograms of skunk were recovered from the duo.”
Babafemi said a village head, Chief James Abamu, and another suspect, Aboy Egah Abamu, have been taken into custody by the Edo state Command of NDLEA following their arrest and prompt transfer to the Agency by soldiers of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade, Benin city, after a raid operation at Lagos camp Ilushi in Esan South East LGA, where 681kg skunk and 181kg cannabis seeds were recovered from them on Wednesday, 21st January.
He said while the trio of Abba Hassan, Anas Moh’d Auwal and Sadik Ismail were arrested in Sabon Gari area of Kano on Tuesday 20th January with 1,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection, the duo of Olajumoke Ridwan and Baruwa Ibukun were nabbed at Paris lounge, Ring road, Ibadan, Oyo state on Thursday 22nd January with 181.5 litres of skuchies, a mixture skunk and other illicit substances recovered from them.
“In Benue state, a female suspect, Janet Iornongu, was arrested at Yes Ikyuan village, Guma LGA, with 210kg skunk, while a total of 254.5kg of the same psychoactive substance was seized from Anita Job along Abaji -Toto road, FCT, on Thursday, 22nd January. A total of 39,800 pills of tramadol 225mg were recovered from two suspects: Hamisu Misbahu and Chima Obi at Alaba Rago, Mile 2 area of Lagos on Monday, 19th January.
“No fewer than 30,003 pills of tramadol, molly and other opioids as well as 20 litres of codeine syrup were seized from a suspect Chinyecherem Cyprian Ugwu by NDLEA officers along Sapele road Warri, Delta state on Thursday 22nd January, while Kayode Obameye, 57, was nabbed at Mobil roundabout, Akure, Ondo state with 1,500 kilograms of skunk recovered from him on Friday 23rd January.
“Across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Taraba state command of NDLEA, conducts WADA enlightenment lecture for students and staff of Government Science Secondary School, Jalingo, Osun state command of NDLEA delivers WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Beloved Montessori Group of Schools, Ede, Osun state; Owerri City Junior Secondary School, Owerri, Imo; Government Day Secondary School, Otukpo, Benue; and Darawa Primary School, Dutsinma, Katsina, among others.
“While commending the officers and men of the NAIA, MMIA, Marine, Borno, Jigawa, Kwara, Kaduna, Ekiti, Edo, Kano, Delta, Oyo, FCT, Benue, Lagos, and Ondo Commands for the arrests, seizures, and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to maintain the current standard of professionalism in all their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities,” the statement reads.
