The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, and five members of his syndicate over a plot that led to the detention of three innocent Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
The NDLEA said the syndicate, operating from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, secretly checked in bags of illicit drugs in the names of the pilgrims who had gone for lesser hajj.
At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said, “Our investigation shows clearly that Mrs Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu and Mr Abdulhamid Saddiq, who are being detained in Jeddah, are victims of a criminal conspiracy.”
He explained, “The bags were traced to one Ali Abubakar Mohammed, alias Bello Karama, who checked them into Ethiopian Airlines on August 6, the same day the pilgrims travelled. Interestingly, while he planted the bags, he himself boarded Egypt Air to Jeddah.”
Babafemi said the suspects confessed. “Ali admitted bringing in seven luggage. Celestina Emmanuel Yayock confessed to checking in two of them for one hundred thousand naira. Another suspect, Jazuli Kabir, admitted collecting one hundred thousand naira to check in two other bags. We have the transfer receipts.”
Six suspects are in custody. Four, including Bello Karama, have been charged in court.
The NDLEA said its chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), will meet Saudi narcotics authorities to secure the release of the pilgrims. “If required, the CCEO is prepared to travel to Saudi Arabia personally to pursue this matter to its conclusion,” Babafemi said.
He added, “Nigeria will never abandon its citizens. While there are no sacred cows in our enforcement duties, we will not support the innocent being punished for crimes they did not commit.”
…face multiple charges for trafficking illicit substances to Jeddah
….Marwa engages Saudi counterpart on the innocence of detained pilgrims
A 55-year-old drug kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar alias Bello Karama and five members of a syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano have been taken into custody by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for the arrest of three innocent Nigerians in Saudi Arabia.
The Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in a press conference on Monday said this followed the discovery that they were behind the shipment of illicit substances for which the three innocent Nigerians who went on lesser hajj pilgrimage to the holy land were being detained in Jeddah for alleged drug trafficking.
Addressing journalists along with the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim and Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, Babafemi explained how the syndicate implicated three unsuspecting pilgrims in drug trafficking allegations in Saudi.
He said following receipt of complaints by its Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) from three Nigerian families over the detention of their family members in Saudi Arabia after the completion of their lesser hajj pilgrimage on an allegation of trafficking in illicit substances into Saudi Arabia, an investigation was launched to unravel what happened.
The Agency said the three Nigerians detained in Saudi: Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi; Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu; and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq boarded an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940 which departed Kano on 6th August 2025 to Jeddah enroute Addis-Ababa were unfortunate to be tagged with six additional bags not belonging to them, three of which were found to contain illicit drugs.
“Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi while embarking on this flight, only checked in one luggage weighing 9 kilograms on the 6th day of August, 2025 which incidentally did not arrive with her to her destination. Her husband was only informed of the arrival of their luggage on 16th August, a day before the date of their departure from Jeddah which was to be on the 17th day of August, 2025. Following this allegation, she was detained in Jeddah and is still in detention till date. The case of the other two persons followed the same pattern and were reported to the Agency shortly after Maryam Hussain’s complaint”, the Agency stated.
It revealed its swift investigation revealed that “the bags containing illicit drug substances intercepted in Saudi Arabia were checked in against the complainants’ names by members of a criminal syndicate operating in Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport without the knowledge of the three complainants.
“All the bags were traced to one Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama), the leader of the syndicate who checked them into the Ethiopian Airline on the 6th day of August 2025, the same day the three complainants travelled on board the same airline from Kano enroute Addis-Ababa to Jeddah. It is interesting to note that the said Ali Abubakar Mohammed who also travelled to Jeddah on the same date boarded Egypt Air rather than Ethiopian Airline where he checked in his contaminated bags.
“The bags were tagged and checked in by members of staff of Skyway Aviation Handling Company who are also members of the criminal syndicate, to the names of the three complainants secretly and without their knowledge or consent. The bags illegally tagged against the complainants’ names are the ones intercepted in Saudi Arabia and found to contain the illicit drug substances.
“For the above reasons, the three complainants were arrested and detained for crimes they had no knowledge of. In the light of the forgoing, and the evidence gathered by the Agency in the course of our investigation, it is clear that Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi and two others who are being detained in Saudi are victims of circumstance, implicated by the activities of a criminal syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.”
The Agency said six members of the syndicate are already in its custody with four already charged to court awaiting arraignment including Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama); Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan and Celestina Emmanuel Yayock.
“They have all made confessional statements. While Ali had admitted bringing in seven luggage, Celestina confessed checking in two of them for a fee of N100,000 and another suspect Jazuli Kabir who checked in two other bags admitted collecting N100,000 for the dirty job, while Ali travelled with the other three bags on Egypt Air. We have the receipts for the transfer of N200,000 from Ali to Celestina who in turn transferred N100,000 to Jazuli,” Babafemi said.
The Agency said based on the outcome of its investigations it is spearheading a dialogue with the authority of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia to see that the three innocent Nigerians are exonerated.
“As a result, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency is presently on his way to attend an International Drug Conference which will be attended by a delegation from the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), who he intends to meet one on one, to present our findings and seek the cooperation of our Saudi counterparts in ensuring that Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, and the two others who remain stranded in the Kingdom, get the justice they deserve.
“If required, the CCEO is also prepared to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia personally to pursue this matter to its conclusion”, Babafemi stated while assuring that Nigeria will never abandon its citizens, especially when the facts clearly show that they are victims of criminal conspiracies.
The Agency assured the public of its commitment to fight the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country adding that while there are no sacred cows in the enforcement duties which can be attested to by the number of high-profile arrests, seizures, convictions and forfeitures recorded, it will not support the innocent being punished for crimes they did not commit.
“While investigations continue, the CCEO will like to appreciate the Hon. Min of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Managing Director of FAAN, the AVSEC and the DSS for their collaboration on this case and for the interim measures that have been approved in MAKIA to prevent a reoccurrence of this type of situation”, he stated.
A 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for attempting to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, using a fake pregnancy to escape scrutiny and detection.
Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement yesterday.
Babafemi said the widow, a mother of one and Proprietress of Golden Star Creation, a fashion outfit in Ago Palace way, Okota, Lagos, was arrested at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba last Friday while attempting to move the cocaine consignment to customers in Abuja.
Babafemi said a follow up at her house led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in the production of a strain of cocaine.
In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband who died two years ago, while she has been in the fashion business for 20 years.
Babafemi also said not less than 90 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 48.6kg, imported from the United States and concealed in three cartons of kitchen sink were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on August 19 by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation (DOGI).
The statement reads: “In Adamawa, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Friday, 22nd August raided the home of a notorious drug dealer Idris Garba, who scaled the fence to escape arrest while one of his associates Boniface Nnaji, 55, who attempted same was caught in the act at Rumde Baru area of Yola South.
“Recovered from the premises include a black Toyota Thundra jeep marked FST- 885-CZ driven to Yola by Nnaji to supply Garba 354,480 pills of tramadol 225mg, 250mg and others as well as a Toyota Yaris car with registration number DSA 776 AA.
“A total of 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 200 ampoules of diazepam injection were seized from a suspect Neche Okonkwo at the Idah waterside after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra State to Lokoja, Kogi State with the opioids on Wednesday, August 20.
“In Kano, the duo of Buhari Ibrahim, 25, and Mansur Musa, 24, were nabbed at Zangon Dakata Ungogo, with 5,850 capsules of pregabaline on Tuesday 19th August, while a total of 452,070 pills of opioids were recovered from the home of a suspect Rabilu Mukhtar who is at large, at Rangaza, Ungogo LGA just as Buhari Idris, 35, was arrested at Tashan Rami area of the state with 140 litres of codeine syrup, both on same Tuesday. No fewer than 7,000 capsules of tramadol were seized from Adamu Yusuf, 29, along Zaria-Kano Road, Kwanar Dangora area of the state on Saturday, August 23.
“A total of 2, 289.49 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis were intercepted in three interdiction operations by NDLEA operatives in Kwara State. While 1,232.86kg was recovered from a Mitsubishi Canter truck marked ZUR 66 XT on Wednesday 20th August at Ajase-Ipo area of the state with a suspect, Kabiru Abdullahi arrested, another consignment of same psychoactive substance weighing 328.42kg was seized from Paul Olaniran, 47, in a Mercedes Benz truck marked LSD 659 YE same day, same location.
“The following day, Thursday, August 21, NDLEA operatives intercepted another consignment of skunk weighing 728.21kg in a Mitsubishi Canter truck with registration number GAD 287 XA, at Ajase-Ipo junction, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara state where two suspects: Abubakar Zaki, 44; and Yau Babangida, 45, were arrested. Similarly, two suspects: Awe Sunday, 50; and Ayodele Adedayo, 54, were nabbed at Alafia Quarters, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti state in connection with the seizure of 96 kilograms of skunk.
“In Taraba, NDLEA operatives, in conjunction with Civil Defence Corps personnel, on Wednesday 20th August destroyed 7,500kg skunk on three hectares of farmland at Dadin Kowa village, Bali LGA, while 901kg of same substance was recovered from a warehouse at Uzebba in Owan West LGA, Edo State where a 54-year-old female suspect Fodo Stella Sunday was arrested on Tuesday, August 19.
“In other operations in Edo state, a total of 14,233.37 kilograms of skunk were destroyed on four plantations that measured 5.69375 hectares at Ebule forest, Owan West Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 20.
“In Delta State, NDLEA operatives supported by the military destroyed a total of 25,500kg skunk on four plantations measuring 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu community, Ndokwa West LGA on Thursday 21st August, while in Ondo State, 25,025kg of same psychoactive substance was destroyed on three farms with a combined measurement of 10.01 hectares at Asolo camp, Uso area of the state.
“Two dispatch riders were on Thursday 21st August arrested by NDLEA officers in a stop and search operation in Jabi area of Abuja for distributing illicit substances in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While Garba Sule, 29, was caught with 300 milligrams of pentazocine injection, Isaac Augustine, 35, was nabbed with 8.64grams of skunk packaged for delivery.
places and communities among others in the past week.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) hailed the officers for their efforts.
…agency intercepts 90 parcels of Loud in kitchen sinks
…arrests dispatch riders distributing illicit drugs in Abuja
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, a 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, for attempting to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine disguised as a fake pregnancy.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that Ezewuike, a mother of one and owner of Golden Star Creation in Okota, Lagos, was arrested on Friday, August 22, at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba, while heading to Abuja to deliver the drugs.
A follow-up search of her residence led to the recovery of 200 grams of a cutting agent used for processing cocaine.
Ezewuike claimed she inherited the illicit trade from her late husband, though she has run a fashion business for two decades.
Babafemi also revealed that NDLEA officers intercepted 90 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis weighing 48.6 kilograms, imported from the United States and concealed in three cartons of kitchen sinks.
The seizure was made on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at a Lagos courier company by the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation (DOGI).
The statement reads, “In Adamawa, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Friday 22nd August raided the home of a notorious drug dealer Idris Garba who scaled the fence to escape arrest while one of his associates Boniface Nnaji, 55, who attempted same was caught in the act at Rumde Baru area of Yola South.
“Recovered from the premises include a black Toyota Thundra jeep marked FST- 885-CZ driven to Yola by Nnaji to supply Garba 354,480 pills of tramadol 225mg, 250mg and others as well as a Toyota Yaris car with registration number DSA 776 AA.
“A total of 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 200 ampoules of diazepam injection were seized from a suspect Neche Okonkwo at the Idah waterside after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra state to Lokoja, Kogi state with the opioids on Wednesday 20th August.
“In Kano, the duo of Buhari Ibrahim, 25, and Mansur Musa, 24, were nabbed at Zangon Dakata Ungogo, with 5,850 capsules of pregabaline on Tuesday 19th August, while a total of 452,070 pills of opioids were recovered from the home of a suspect Rabilu Mukhtar who is at large, at Rangaza, Ungogo LGA just as Buhari Idris, 35, was arrested at Tashan Rami area of the state with 140 litres of codeine syrup, both on same Tuesday. No fewer than 7,000 capsules of tramadol were seized from Adamu Yusuf, 29, along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora area of the state on Saturday 23rd August.
“A total of 2, 289.49 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis were intercepted in three interdiction operations by NDLEA operatives in Kwara state. While 1,232.86kg was recovered from a Mitsubishi Canter truck marked ZUR 66 XT on Wednesday 20th August at Ajase-Ipo area of the state with a suspect, Kabiru Abdullahi arrested, another consignment of same psychoactive substance weighing 328.42kg was seized from Paul Olaniran, 47, in a Mercedes Benz truck marked LSD 659 YE same day, same location.
“The following day Thursday 21st August, NDLEA operatives intercepted another consignment of skunk weighing 728.21kg in a Mitsubishi Canter truck with registration number GAD 287 XA, at Ajase-Ipo junction, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara state where two suspects: Abubakar Zaki, 44; and Yau Babangida, 45, were arrested. Similarly, two suspects: Awe Sunday, 50; and Ayodele Adedayo, 54, were nabbed at Alafia Quarters, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti state in connection with the seizure of 96 kilograms of skunk.
“In Taraba, NDLEA operatives in conjunction with Civil Defence Corps personnel on Wednesday 20th August destroyed 7,500kg skunk on three hectares of farmland at Dadin Kowa village, Bali LGA, while 901kg of same substance was recovered from a warehouse at Uzebba in Owan West LGA, Edo State where a 54-year-old female suspect Fodo Stella Sunday was arrested on Tuesday 19th August.
“In other operations in Edo state, a total of 14,233.37 kilograms of skunk were destroyed on four plantations that measured 5.69375 hectares at Ebule forest, Owan West Local Government Area on Wednesday 20th August.
“In Delta state, NDLEA operatives supported by the military destroyed a total of 25,500kg skunk on four plantations measuring 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu community, Ndokwa West LGA on Thursday 21st August, while in Ondo state, 25,025kg of same psychoactive substance was destroyed on three farms with a combined measurement of 10.01 hectares at Asolo camp, Uso area of the state.
“Two dispatch riders were on Thursday 21st August arrested by NDLEA officers in a stop and search operation in Jabi area of Abuja for distributing illicit substances in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While Garba Sule, 29, was caught with 300 milligrams of pentazocine injection, Isaac Augustine, 35, was nabbed with 8.64grams of skunk packaged for delivery.
“In the same vein, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.
“These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to women and teachers at Women Islamiyya School, Kanti Central mosque, Kanti, Katsina state; students and staff of Fathul Bari Islamiyya, Hayin Gwarmai, Bebeji LGA, Kano; while the Abia state command of NDLEA paid WADA advocacy visit to Governor Alex Otti just as Zone 4 command of the Agency paid WADA advocacy visit to HRH Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah in his palace in Doma, Nasarawa state.
“While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Taraba, Delta, Adamawa, FCT, Ondo, Ekiti and Edo 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 continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.”
In a proactive move ahead of the upcoming 2025/2026 NPFL season, the management of Rangers International FC has partnered with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to educate its players and officials on the dangers of illegal drug use.
The initiative, aimed at ensuring a clean and fair sporting environment, was highlighted by an advocacy visit from NDLEA officials to the Rangers Players Camp in Enugu.
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) in partnership with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have decided to support the One-Stop-Shop framework of the Federal Government across all Free Trade Zones.
In a statement signed by Head, Corporate Communications NEPZA, Dr. Martins Odeh, an agreement was reached by the two heads of agencies, MD/CEO of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, and Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd).
This was after the NEPZA MD/CEO requested an explanation on alleged insistence of some drug-law officers inspecting all containers destined for certain Free Trade Zones. Dr. Ogunyemi stressed the importance of all key government agencies in the free trade zones’ ecosystem actively promoting the country’s one-stop shop framework to support economic revitalization through the scheme.
The MD said: “As you know, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority is a government agency responsible for licensing, monitoring, regulating, and facilitating investment into Nigeria’s Free Trade Zone. The Authority has been performing these duties for over 30 years.
“In recognition of the vital role that key sister agencies like the NDLEA play in maintaining order in drug-related issues in Nigeria, we find it necessary to insist on the agency’s presence in the free zones whenever required.”
The MD quoted the NEPZA Act, saying involvement in the Free Trade Zones operations by some agencies of government should be on a need basis.
The NEPZA Act mandates the Authority to invite NDLEA for a joint inspection of goods and containers in areas where suspicions are raised to ensure transparency.
He further affirmed a shared commitment to eliminate any violations of Nigeria’s laws within Free Trade Zones, while expressing deep appreciation to the NDLEA boss for his dedicated and thorough service to the country, adding that the drug law agency had performed well under his leadership so far.
Speaking, the NDLEA, Gen Marwa, called for greater cooperation between NDLEA and NEPZA to continually promote a healthy and drug-free business environment in the Free Trade Zones. Both agencies must henceforth intensify collaboration to fulfil their mandates without interfering with each other’s work.
Both organisations agreed to carry out their duties within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote agency cooperation, integrity, and good corporate governance.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said three years after launching a manhunt for a notorious drug kingpin, 36-year-old Sunday Ibigide, over drug trafficking offences, the suspect has been arrested by operatives in Asaba, Delta State.
Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement, said he was arrested while attempting to move 250 blocks of skunk weighing 138 kilogrammes with his distribution bus.
Babafemi said Ibigide came under searchlight on March 19, 2022 in connection with the seizure of 24.137kg of same psychoactive substance and 10grams of molly but, thereafter, went underground.
However, NDLEA operatives in Delta arrested him along with one of his aides Clement Osuya, 27, while they were trying to move the 250 parcels of skunk for distribution on August 10.
The agency also said no fewer than six suspects were arrested last Thursday and Friday when NDLEA operatives, supported by the military and vigilantes, raided three cannabis farms in Enugu Ezike, Enugu State where a total of 37,500kg skunk was destroyed on 15 hectares of farmland.
e Ugwuanyi Chinaso, 23; James Negedu, 26; Sopuruchukwu Obido, 22; Ebuka Onu, 30; Ukwueze Sunday, 42; and Oguche Friday; while 74.5kg of the illicit substance was recovered for them.
The statement reads: “While 20,700 pills of tramadol and cocodamol were seized from a suspect Emmanuel Ayogu, 53, by NDLEA officers on patrol along Nsukka Road, 9th Mile Enugu on Saturday, 16th August, two other suspects Nsubechukwu Achidde, 24, and Osiaja Simple Frank, 41, were arrested with 27.6kg skunk same day at the New Market, Enugu.
“In Lagos, a woman Muyibat Mumuni, 52, was arrested with her son, Faruk Mumuni, 25, at Ladega Street, Mushin on August 13 for storing and distributing 298 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 149kg while another suspect Emmanuel Samuel was nabbed on August 15 in Ajah, Lekki where 8.5kg Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis was recovered from their apartment
“Not less than 128,000 capsules of tramadol were recovered from a suspect Sani Mohammed,32, at Jauro Jatau, Gombe, Gombe State on August 11, while a total of 337, 800 capsules of the same pharmaceutical opioid were seized by operatives on patrol along Okene-Lokoja highway, Kogi State from the driver of a commercial bus, Sulaiman Oyedokun, 47, coming from Onitsha, Anambra State and heading to Kotangora, Niger State.”
Babafemi said a total of 11, 250kg skunk was destroyed on 4.5 hectares of farmland on Tuesday 12th August when NDLEA operatives assisted by Sardauna Emirate Council and Nigeria Forest Hunters Security Service raided the Tanmiya forest in Sardauna Local Government Area, Taraba State.
He said 29, 840 capsules of tramadol were seized from a suspect Saleh Babangida, 20, at a checkpoint in Wukari area of the state last Saturday.
He said: “In Kaduna, two suspects, Mohammed Amdife, 46, and Sulaiman Mohammed, 22, were arrested in connection with the seizure of 22, 640 pills of tramadol and rohypnol at Gwargwaje check point, Zaria and Tudun Wada.
“Two other suspects: Caroline David, 51, and Abdulhadi Umar, 30, were nabbed over the seizure of 111.1kg skunk intercepted along Zaria-Kano Road.
“At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state, a total of 875,000 bottles of codeine based syrup worth over N6.1billion in street value and 3, 500,000 pills of trodol benzhexol valued at N1.7billion were recovered from five containers under NDLEA intelligence tracking and watch-list during joint examination with Customs Service and other security agencies on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) of the Onne port.
“In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 13th August recovered 24 bags of skunk weighing 432kg in a bush along Warake-Auchi road in Etsako West LGA, while 130kg of same substance was seized at a warehouse in Sobe, Owan West LGA the following day.
“A suspect Tahiru Madu Manga, 25, was nabbed by NDLEA officers along Zaria-Kano road, with 16kg skunk and another suspect Ibrahim Audu, 47, arrested with 76kg of the same psychoactive substance at Gadar Tamburawa along Zaria-Kano road, Kano state on Wednesday 13th August.
“No fewer than 4, 320 ampoules of ketamine injection were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at Gbaji checkpoint on Badagry-Lagos highway on August 11, with a suspect Akeem Adegun arrested.’’
The agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the officers for their gallantry efforts. He enjoined them and their colleagues to continue with their good works.
…as Marwa meets Kyari on areas of collaboration to enhance food, national security
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of the readiness of his ministry to support its ongoing drug control efforts.
Kyari said the support would be especially in the areas of creating alternatives for illicit drug producers and provision of agricultural opportunities for drug users undergoing rehabilitation to prevent them from relapse.
Sen. Kyari gave the assurance in his response to the remarks by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) who led some members of his management team into a meeting with the minister and top officials of the ministry in Abuja on Thursday.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Friday.
According to the statement, Marwa had told the minister that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu has food security and national security as part of its focus.
He however added, “We really cannot tackle national security without adequate attention to drug control because they are interlinked.”
He said the visit was to seek collaboration between NDLEA and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as part of ongoing efforts to surmount the challenge of drug scourge facing the country.
He noted that out of the 14.3 million drug users in Nigeria, 10.6 million of them abuse cannabis alone, making the psychoactive substance the most commonly abused in the country.
“As you know, cannabis is not only smoked, it is also eaten. They make soup with it. They mix it with hot drinks to produce monkey tail. They take it in all kinds of forms.
“Every week, we make arrests. And still, they keep at it, because there’s so much money in the business. And so, we sat down and reflected and felt that there’s a more permanent solution to this, especially with the growers of cannabis.
“So, we have decided to create another platform called Alternative Development, which seeks to persuade cannabis growers to change from growing cannabis, which is illicit to something legitimate and licit.
“This will give them at least a legitimate source of income. They will be able to sleep with their two eyes closed. Instead of always in fear of arrest by NDLEA, they will live respectable lives with their families and their communities.
“The Alternative Development project has secured the buy-in of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs and they are willing to encourage us. But for us to tell cannabis growers, please, don’t grow cannabis, grow something else there has to be incentives for them to agree. I’ve actually had a meeting with some cannabis growers and discussed this idea with them.
“The fact that they agreed to come and meet me without the fear that they are being tricked so that we arrest them, was a positive sign. And we sat and had an engagement and I’ve also sent a delegation to their communities.
“This is where we need the support of the ministry to give them some inputs, seedlings, tractors, water, fertilizers, chemicals, and others. So, we looked at the possibility of getting them to grow food crops including artemisia annua plant that can fetch the country $100 billion annually. They call it sweet wormwood.
“The derivative is used for the treatment of malaria. We consulted with IITA, they actually confirmed that they have grown samples across the country. They have done some trials. And it seems to have a very positive outlook.
“With a $100 billion possible income to the country, if this is fully tapped, we’ll suggest that this is probably one of the areas of pharmaceutical crops that would be given to these cannabis growers to farm in addition to other licit crops.”
He said the other area of collaboration is the assimilation of persons coming out of NDLEA rehab facilities into agricultural programmes and projects that will give them livelihood and prevent them from relapse.
“Now, when our children, come to us for treatment and rehabilitation, because of drugs, we treat them, and they become normal people, responsible, after the treatment. Then you throw them back again into the same environment where they got into drug abuse, they will relapse.
“So, we thought that within the scheme of this esteemed ministry, if you can assist us so that at the end of their rehabilitation they can be assimilated into some of your agricultural programmes with whatever incentives go with them so that they can be gainfully engaged.”
In his response, the minister agreed that there is a direct correlation between drug abuse and other forms of criminality, noting that if nothing is done urgently by all stakeholders the country may be breeding criminals instead of the next generation of leaders.
“So, we should join hands and this is the collaborative effort that President Tinubu has already mandated us to do in terms of not only achieving food security, employment, job creation, but improvement of livelihood, inclusivity of youth and women in agriculture, access to capital and credit, and so on and so forth.
“I would like to express our commitment to this alternative development initiative. Then, on the issue of your rehab centres, we will work with you so that those being treated can get some livelihood support in terms of tools and other things. We’re willing to partner with you on the excellent work that you’re doing”, the minister assured.
The meeting agreed to set up a technical committee that will work on the details of the collaboration.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano Strategic Command has arrested 49 suspects for various drug-related offences involving different quantities of illicit substances in the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, broke the news in a statement yesterday in Kano.
He said the suspects were arrested during raids on August 7 and 8 as part of their efforts to curb drug crimes.
“On August 7 and 8, the agency dislodged several key locations known for drug-related activities and arrested 34 suspects at Massallacin Idi, Fagge Plaza, Kofar Mata, Kofar Wambai, Kofar Dan’agundi, Makabartar Dan’agundi, Ladanai, Zage, and Tashar Rimi at Rimi Market.
“The command also raided Kano Line Motor Park and Tashar Rami Motor Park in Na’ibawa, where 15 suspects were apprehended,” he said.
According to him, items recovered from the suspects include cannabis sativa, Pregabalin, diazepam, codeine syrup, Rohypnol, “suck and die,” rubber solution and locally made weapons.
The agency’s state Commander, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, said the operation was part of efforts to dismantle drug joints and disrupt the networks of dealers in the state.
“Since the elevation of the NDLEA’s operations to a strategic command level, there has been a notable increase in the effectiveness and scope of our work,” Idris-Ahmad said.
He commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa (rtd), for his support and leadership.
“Buba-Marwa’s commitment to a drug-free society empowers our team to pursue our mission with renewed vigour, ” he said.
Idris-Ahmad urged those involved in drug trafficking to desist, warning that the agency would not relent in its pursuit of a drug-free society.
“The NDLEA remains dedicated to protecting the public from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking,”
He said investigation was ongoing, and when completed, the suspects would be charged in court.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said the President Bola Tinubu administration will continue to strengthen the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) because of its strategic value to the success of the country’s national security architecture.
The NSA stated this in his remarks at the commissioning of 46 new vehicles distributed to strategic commands and formations of NDLEA on Wednesday at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Ribadu also commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) and his team for their sustained commitment, discipline and energy in transforming the NDLEA into a result-oriented force against one of the most destabilising threats to Nigeria’s national well-being, illicit drugs.
He said, “I commend the Chairman, General Mohamed Buba Marwa, for his discipline, commitment, and transformative leadership. Under his watch, NDLEA has become a result-oriented force addressing the grave threats posed by illicit drugs that undermine our national security, social stability, and public health.
“This event is not just about commissioning vehicles; without the mobility to swiftly reach danger points, intercept traffickers and move resources where they are most needed, our fight is severely constrained. The link between drug trafficking and insecurity is systemic. Criminal gangs thrive on drug profits. Insurgents and armed groups fund their activities with it. Countless young Nigerians fall victim to addiction, with devastating consequences for families and communities.
“This is why the renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritises drug control as a pillar of our national security strategy. The President’s unwavering support through funding, inter-agency cooperation, and policy alignment has directly enabled today’s milestone.
“These vehicles will be deployed nationwide to amplify NDLEA’s operational presence, strengthen deterrence, and ensure that no trafficker escapes justice. As the lead agency for drug control, arrest, seizure, and investigation and prosecution, NDLEA will continue to receive the full backing of the Office of National Security Adviser, which will also coordinate its efforts with other security and regulatory agencies, including the National Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, and NAFDAC.”
He challenged NDLEA officers to view the commissioning as a call to action: to do more, remain vigilant, act within the law and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
“The NDLEA is not only building lives, but also restoring dignity and shaping national policy. In light of the pandemic, this commissioning is a call to action. Use these resources responsibly, act within the law, and remain vigilant,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA said the event is symbolic of the continuous effort to reposition the Agency as a modern, efficient and respected organisation.
He said it was also a reflection of the sustained commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to equipping institutions that stand on the front line of the country’s national security and public health.
“To that extent, today’s event is a milestone, as NDLEA is now counted among a distinguished group of security and drug law enforcement agencies around the world that are not only visible in their operations but equally respected and making impacts”, Marwa noted.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering and strategic support for the Agency.
“The procurement of these vehicles was made possible by the fiscal backing of this administration, which continues to demonstrate strong resolve in addressing the root causes of insecurity and social dislocation.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President has prioritised national stability, institutional reform and the safety of every Nigerian life. That trust motivates us to deliver even more”, he stated.
While explaining the importance of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking to national security, Marwa said, “We know from both intelligence and experience that drug abuse and trafficking are central to many security challenges in the country.
“The link is undeniable: kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency and cult violence are all fuelled by illicit substances. Drug trafficking emboldens perpetrators, strips away moral restraint and replaces hope with recklessness.
“No serious approach to national security can ignore drug control, and this is why we pursue our mandate with focus, determination, and the results are there to show.”
He noted that in just two years of President Tinubu’s administration, the NDLEA has achieved significant results.
“We have arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 drug barons, leading to the seizure of over 5.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances, all recovered from our streets, communities, warehouses, border routes and ports nationwide, with 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms, hidden deep in forests, destroyed.
“We have equally secured the conviction of 8,682 traffickers and kingpins alike, ensured their assets forfeit to the Federal Government through the court process, thus sending a clear message that drug crimes attract legal consequences.
“Equally important is the fact that 24,173 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated in our 30 rehab centres located across the country while 8,698 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities aimed at preventing people from going into substance abuse were carried out in schools, worship centres, work places, motor parks, and communities among others within the same period. These created a fair balance between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”
He said the achievements of the past two years reflect both the resilience of the Agency’s personnel and its growing capacity. While noting that the fight against illicit drugs is far from over, the NDLEA boss said the “illicit drug economy continues to evolve, exploiting vulnerable youths, porous borders and sometimes complicit actors.
“To remain effective, our response must also evolve – with sharper intelligence, stronger community engagement and, critically, improved mobility and logistics.”
In his remarks, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN commended President Tinubu for making the achievements recorded by the leadership of Marwa at the NDLEA in the past two years possible.
According to him, “Without an understanding President, it would be very difficult to have this type of gathering today. So, my first appreciation goes to him. There is a very, very close nexus between drug trafficking and all the crimes that we have.
“The Chairman has chronicled some of the effects of these illicit drugs. They embolden criminals. And when the thing wears off, then you discover that they are just ordinary mortals like you and me.
“And that is why attention ought to be given to this fight against illicit drugs. And when I follow NDLEA activities, the arrests, the fights they put on, you know, I’m always very happy. The credit, of course, goes to the leadership of Gen Marwa. This is not your first time doing this. You have done it elsewhere, and you are doing it again. I’m always very pleased.
“And you know, of course, my position when it comes to NDLEA, whenever we are asked to showcase our report card, I’m very quick to say put NDLEA first. This is what you have done. So, I’m happy about what you are doing. And the morale of the staff you are boosting is very important. If there is no morale booster, you can’t get anything done.”
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa said the NDLEA has consistently demonstrated courage, professionalism and resilience in confronting the threats posed by drugs and substance abuse in very challenging circumstances.
“The procurement of these operational vehicles is therefore a significant boost to the Agency’s operational response capability and overall effectiveness in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse. It is my firm belief that this investment will translate to greater deterrent to those who seek to profit from this destructive trade,” he said.
In his goodwill message at the occasion, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun congratulated President Tinubu for putting the likes of Marwa in positions of leadership in various agencies. He said the event is a testament to Marwa’s leadership style and belief in Nigeria.
“Today marks a remarkable event in our lives. BPP is a worthy partner of NDLEA. The vehicles you see today were thoroughly done through due process. In fact, I am going to say NDLEA, for me, is an example for other agencies of government. So, I congratulate the entire management of NDLEA for leading the way. We can testify to you that these vehicles have gone through standardizations and they are meant for fit, for purpose.
A total of 38 SUVs were distributed to Zonal Commands, Strategic Commands and State Commands across the country while 10 sedan cars were given to 10 directorates.
No fewer than 15 newly promoted Commanders of Narcotics (CN) were decorated with their new rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) by the NDLEA boss at the end of the ceremony.
