The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NDLEA

  • NDLEA arrests Paris-bound businessman at Abuja airport for ingesting 74 wraps of heroin, cocaine

    NDLEA arrests Paris-bound businessman at Abuja airport for ingesting 74 wraps of heroin, cocaine

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur, while attempting to board an Air France flight 844 from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA Abuja to Paris, France for ingesting 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said Orizu was arrested at the boarding gate of the Abuja airport on Sunday 22nd December 2024 during the outward clearance of passengers on Air France.

    Babafemi said when the suspect was pulled aside for a body scan, he turned down the request claiming his medical condition would not permit him.

    According to the statement, Orizu was thereafter taken into custody for excretion observation during which he excreted a total of 74 wraps of the Class A drugs over a period of seven days.

    Babafemi said Orizu claimed he owns a shop at Balogun market, Lagos Island where he sells school and travelling bags.

    The suspect, in his statement, said he was promised 3,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the consignment in Paris, the Spokesman revealed.

    The suspect left his base in Lagos for the Abuja airport to connect his Air France flight to Paris, hoping to escape detection, Babafemi said.

    Read Also: NDLEA Bauchi Command arrests 415 suspects, seizes 1.2 tonnes of drugs in 2024

    According to the statement, in another interdiction effort, operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA at 2:30am on Christmas eve, Tuesday 24th December intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis at the Eleko beach in Lekki area of Lagos.

    Babafemi said six foreign nationals who brought the consignments from Ghana were arrested during the operation. 

    They include: two Ghanaians: Godsway John, 38; and Freedom Kelvin, 33; as well as four Beninese: Chegoun Hounsou, 23; Gadabor Nyameto, 47; Adantg Sasa, 34; and Ayao Kayivi, 21.

    The statement reads, “In Katsina, a suspect Ibrahim Shaibu, 35, was arrested in possession of 40 album-size parcels of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 35kg on Christmas day 25th December at Central Motor Park, Katsina, while another suspect Umar Ahmed, 47, was nabbed along Zaria-Malumfashi road, Katsina with 27 parcels of same psychoactive substance weighing 13.5kg on Saturday 28th December.

    “A 21-year-old suspect Kosisochukwu Ozigbo was arrested at new Lagos road Benin City, Edo state when the area was raided on Monday 23rd December by NDLEA operatives. Recovered from the suspect include: 32,490 pills of tramadol 225mg, 200mg and 100mg; 936 bottles of codeine-based syrup and various quantities of other opioids.

    “The Commands across the country balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities. 

    “Some of these include: WADA sensitisation lecture delivered by Lagos State Strategic Command in collaboration with Menitos Foundation to residents of Akoka community at Ayetoro primary school, Akoka Bariga; while the Adamawa State command of NDLEA delivered same lecture to members of Jama’atul Nasril Islam during their annual first aid group and leadership camping in Adamawa among others.

    “While commending the efforts of the officers and men of NAIA, Katsina, Edo and Marine Commands of the Agency for job well done in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) tasked them and their compatriots nationwide not to rest on the achievements of 2024 but continue to raise the bar in their offensive action against drug barons and cartels with an equal measure of WADA sensitisation campaigns in the new year.”

  • NDLEA arrests 34 suspects in Kano

    NDLEA arrests 34 suspects in Kano

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command, has arrested 34 suspects with various illicit substances.

    ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, the command’s spokesman,in a statement, quoted the state Commander of the agency, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, as saying that the arrest was made during a raid.

    He said: “On December 24, the agency dislodged several notorious drug joints across the state. These drug dens are located in Fagge Area, Sani Abacha Stadium, Danagundi, and the historically infamous Filin Idi drug den.”

    He said the command has recovered substantial amounts of illicit substances such as cannabis sativa, suck and die, and Exol-5, among others.

    Other recovered items, according to him, include dangerous arms being used by drug peddlers to pursue and attack officers.

    Read Also: Prioritising training vital for effective governance, says Edo governor

    “The drug users will receive the necessary counseling and support to aid their recovery,” he assured.

    The commander noted that the seizures demonstrated the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and curbing the availability of harmful substances within the community during the festive seasons.

    He noted that investigations were ongoing and those found culpable would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to safeguarding the health and safety of Kano citizens.

    “We will continue to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from the streets of Kano and promote awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, as community cooperation is essential in this fight against drug-related issues.

    “On behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig.-Gen, Mohamed Buba-Marwa, we extend our warm wishes to the people of Kano for a peaceful Christmas celebration and a drug-free New Year festival,” he said.

  • Christmas: NDLEA raids Kano drug dens, arrests 34 suspects

    Christmas: NDLEA raids Kano drug dens, arrests 34 suspects

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command, has arrested 34 suspects with different quantities of illicit substances in the state.

    ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, the command’s spokesman disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Kano.

    Muhammad-Maigatari quoted the State Commander of the agency, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, as saying that the arrest was made during a raid, as part of proactive measures to ensure a safe and drug-free Kano during the Christmas and New Year celebration.

    “On Dec.24, the agency dislodged several notorious drug joints across the state. These drug dens are located in Fagge Area, Sani Abacha Stadium, Danagundi, and the historically infamous Filin Idi drug den.”

    He said that the command successfully recovered substantial amount of illicit substances such as cannabis sativa, suck and die, and Exol-5, among others.

    Other recovered items according to him, include, dangerous arms being used by drug peddlers to pursue and attack officers.

    “The drug users will receive the necessary counseling and support to aid their recovery,” he assured.

    The commander noted that the seizures demonstrated the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and curbing the availability of harmful substances within the community during the festive seasons.

    He noted that investigations were ongoing and those found culpable would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

    Read Also: NDLEA Bauchi Command arrests 415 suspects, seizes 1.2 tonnes of drugs in 2024

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kano citizens.

    “We will continue to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from the streets of Kano and promote awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, as community cooperation is essential in this fight against drug-related issues.

    “On behalf of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig.-Gen, Mohamed Buba-Marwa, we extend our warm wishes to the people of Kano for a peaceful Christmas celebration and a drug-free New Year festival,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • NDLEA Bauchi Command arrests 415 suspects, seizes 1.2 tonnes of drugs in 2024

    NDLEA Bauchi Command arrests 415 suspects, seizes 1.2 tonnes of drugs in 2024

    The Bauchi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 415 suspects and seized 1.2 tonnes of illicit substances between January and December 2024.

    Confiscated drugs included Cannabis Sativa, Diazepam, Exol-5, Pentazocine, Methamphetamine, Rohypnol, and Tramadol.

    The State Commander, CN Ali Aminu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Bauchi, where he reviewed the Command’s 2024 activities. 

    He highlighted that 70 cases were charged to court, leading to 84 convictions, while 18 cases remain pending at the Federal High Court in Bauchi.

    Read Also: NDLEA arrests 284 suspects, seizes 5,232,575kg of drugs in Kogi

    Additionally, 137 drug users were counseled and rehabilitated, with most undergoing brief interventions at the NDLEA facility in the state.

    Commander Aminu issued a stern warning against drug abuse and trafficking, emphasizing that offenders would face prosecution.

    He also expressed gratitude to NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), for his leadership in strengthening the agency’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

  • NDLEA arrests 284 suspects, seizes 5,232,575kg of drugs in Kogi

    NDLEA arrests 284 suspects, seizes 5,232,575kg of drugs in Kogi

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in Kogi State by arresting 284 suspects between January and December 2024.

    During this period, the agency also seized 5,232,575kg of illicit drugs and counterfeit currency worth 2 million U.S. dollars and N20.4 million in various denominations.

    Mr Mustapha Yahuza, the NDLEA Commander for Kogi, made the announcement during a news conference in Lokoja on Monday.

    He also revealed that the agency had destroyed 10 hectares of marijuana plantations in the state.

    Yahuza described the achievements as “huge and remarkable” in the ongoing battle against drug abuse and trafficking in the region.

    In spite of facing numerous challenges, Yahuza emphasised that the success was made possible by the dedication and hard work of the agency’s personnel.

    He commended his officers and men for their professionalism in combating substance abuse and trafficking.

    Read Also: NDLEA arrests businessman withcocaine consignment at Kano airport

    “The more than five tonnes of drugs seized include Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol, Diazepam, Methamphetamine, Rohypnol, and Exol-5.

    “Other drugs seized include Cocaine, Codeine, Pethidine Injection, Ergometrine Injection, Nitrous Oxide, and Heroin.

    “As a result of the agency’s efforts, 91 individuals have been convicted, while other cases are still under trial at the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

    “In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA has been active in drug abuse prevention and education,” Yahuza said.

    Yahuza reported that 51 schools and organisations were sensitised to the dangers of drug abuse throughout the year.

    The agency also counselled 195 individuals referred by investigation units as part of its drug demand reduction and advocacy efforts.

    The NDLEA Commander issued a stern warning against the consumption and trafficking of hard drugs, stressing their devastating effects on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

    The seized exhibits have been transferred to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

    (NAN)

  • NDLEA arrests businessman withcocaine consignment at Kano airport

    NDLEA arrests businessman withcocaine consignment at Kano airport

    • Ex-convict, businesswoman nabbed with drugs at Lagos airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a businessman, Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus, for smuggling 256 wraps of cocaine hidden in his body through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, said the seizure of the drugs weighing six kilogrammes was the single largest interception of cocaine at the airport since the creation of MAKIA Command of NDLEA in 2006.

    The seizure was made on December 15, this year during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 941 from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia according to the statement.

    It indicated that Olisaka who claims to be an importer and exporter was subjected to body screening during which he was found to have packed hundreds of cocaine pellets in his body.

    Also, an ex-convict, Olanrewaju Bada Akorede, who exported a consignment of rohypnol to South Africa through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos, was nabbed by NDLEA officers at the airport.

    The consignment was hidden in a cargo containing gari, shoes, men’s singlets and other items, he said.

    Read Also: NDLEA arrests businessman at Kano airport for body packing large consignment of cocaine

    The statement said Olarenwaju was convicted for a similar crime earlier this year following his arrest on  December 12, 2023 for attempting to ferry 4.90kg tramadol and 2.10kg rohypnol to South Africa through the Lagos airport. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos with an option to pay a fine of N.9million, which he paid.

    Also, an Italy-based businesswoman, Cynthia Akaeen, was on December 18, arrested by NDLEA officers while trying to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Italy via Addis Ababa.

    It stated that the suspect was intercepted at the departure point of Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport during an outward clearance of passengers going to Italy.

    It reads: “A total of 9,190 tablets of various brands of tramadol weighing 6.00kg were recovered from her. According to her, she was promised 1,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the consignment in Italy.

  • NDLEA arrests businessman at Kano airport for body packing large consignment of cocaine

    NDLEA arrests businessman at Kano airport for body packing large consignment of cocaine

    …nabs ex-convict, businesswoman over Italy, South Africa-bound drug shipments at Lagos airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has thwarted an attempt by an import and export businessman, Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus, to smuggle 256 wraps of cocaine hidden on his body into the country through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, said the seizure of the drugs weighing six kilogrammes is the single largest interception of cocaine at the Kano airport since the creation of MAKIA Command of NDLEA in 2006.

    The seizure was made on Sunday 15th December 2024 during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia according to the statement.

    It indicated that Olisaka who claims to be into import and export business was subjected to body screening during which he was found to have packed hundreds of cocaine pellets in his body.

    Babafemi said a similar attempt by an ex-convict, Olanrewaju Bada Akorede to export a consignment of rohypnol to South Africa through the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos, was equally frustrated by NDLEA officers at the airport. 

    Read Also: We must shore up revenue base to meet needs of Nigerians – Abbas

    The consignment was hidden in a cargo containing gari, shoes, men’s singlets and other items, he said.

    “Olarenwaju was convicted for a similar crime earlier this year following his arrest on 12th December 2023 for attempting to ship 4.90kg tramadol and 2.10kg rohypnol to South Africa through the export shed of the Lagos airport. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos with an option to pay a fine of N900, 000, which he paid and was freed before returning to repeat the same crime.,” the statement reads.

    Also according to the statement, an Italy-based businesswoman Cynthia Akaeen was on Wednesday 18th December arrested by NDLEA officers while trying to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Italy via Addis Ababa. 

    It stated that the suspect was intercepted at the departure point of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport during an outward clearance of passengers going to Italy. 

    It reads: “A total of 9,190 tablets of various brands of tramadol weighing 6.00kg were recovered from her. According to her, she was promised 1,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the consignment in Italy.

    “No fewer than 418,330 pills of tramadol 225mg, 100mg and tapentadol 250mg as well as 8,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a warehouse at a building material market in Onitsha, Anambra state on Tuesday 17th December when NDLEA operatives raided the market following credible intelligence.

    “At the Tincan Island port in Lagos, a total of 180,000 bottles codeine syrup were recovered on Wednesday 18th December from a container, which originated from Mundra, India. The seizure was made during a joint examination of the container by men of NDLEA, Customs, DSS, police, and other security agencies at the port, while a suspect Makata Emmanuel, who is the consignee and notify party, was promptly taken into custody.

    “A total of 293,000 capsules of tramadol, a pistol and 26 rounds of 7.65mm live ammunition were recovered from the duo of Ishaya Wabba, 54, and Samaila Audu, 44, when they were arrested in a Toyota Sienna bus at Pompomari Bypass, Maiduguri, Borno state, while another suspect Sanusi Abdul Hamid, 37, was nabbed at Gwange area of the state capital with 260, 000 capsules of the same psychoactive substance on Monday 16th December.

    “A 35-year-old suspect Modu Kolera was equally arrested on Wednesday 18th December at Custom area of Maiduguri with 8.5kg cannabis; 5,000 pills of tramadol; 7,500 tabs of diazepam; 14,500 tablets of exol and 50 litres of ‘suck and die’, a new psychoactive substance, in his Volkswagen Golf car marked DKW 812 AA.

    While a suspect Gafar Saminu, 30,  was arrested on Wednesday 18th December with 33.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa, at Ayete, Oyo state, NDLEA operatives in Enugu same day raided the Aria new market where they recovered 94kg of same substance.

    “In Lagos, a consignment of 32 kilograms ephedrine, a precursor chemical going to the South East was on Monday 16th December recovered at the Young Shall Grow Luxurious Vehicles Park, Maza-maza.

    “With the same vigour, 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 sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Wajah Girls Government Day Secondary School, Hong, Adamawa; students and staff of Government Girls Tahfizul Quran Salihawa, Gwarzo, Kano; students and staff of Riyadul Quran Islamiyya School, Bagudo, Kebbi state, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of MAKIA, MMIA, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, Enugu, and Tincan Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) urged them and their compatriots across the country not to rest on their oars as they intensify their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”

  • Illicit drugs: NDLEA strengthens airport operations as officers undergo advanced training

    Illicit drugs: NDLEA strengthens airport operations as officers undergo advanced training

    …deploy new skills, tools across airport operations, Marwa charges officers

    Selected commanders and officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have completed a series of training sessions on the Advanced Passenger Information System (API) and passenger targeting/intelligence gathering.

    This training is part of the agency’s efforts to improve its operational capabilities at major airports across the country.

    Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.

    He explained that the training, facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Abuja.

    Babafemi stated that the workshops were aimed at enhancing the ability of the agency’s airport commands to identify and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo, and mail, thereby supporting efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking.

    The training also focused on improving communication and coordination between countries of origin, transit, and destination, aiming to disrupt cross-border criminal networks.

    Read Also: NDLEA intercepts N3.3b drugs concealed in auto parts shipped from Canada

    “While the Commander of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Strategic Command of NDLEA, ACGN Usman Ali Wadar and his counterpart at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, CN Mohammed Ajiya participated in the six-day training in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 13 other officers drawn from the MMIA and NAIA Commands took part in the five-day training that held in Abuja. They are all expected to impact the knowledge and skills acquired during the sessions on their other colleagues.

    “The trainings were funded by the European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States under the AIRCOP Airport Communication Project, implemented by the UNODC.

    “Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the facilitators: Ms. Fabienne Russel of UNODC and Anderson Leme Siqueira of Brazilian Customs Administration for taking their time to be in Abuja for the training after the engagement in Abidjan.

    “He equally praised the two NDLEA Commanders and other officers who participated in the Abijan and Abuja training sessions for their interest and commitment. He charged them to immediately reflect the new skills and tools in their operations across the international airports in the country,” he said. 

  • NDLEA intercepts N3.3b drugs concealed in auto parts shipped from Canada

    NDLEA intercepts N3.3b drugs concealed in auto parts shipped from Canada

    • Customs seizes 695,000 litres of petrol, says Adeniyi

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted shipments of Methamphetamine and Loud worth billions of naira concealed in automobile spare parts imported from Canada at the Tin Can Seaport in Lagos

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement,  said: “For the first time in the history of NDLEA’s anti-narcotic operations, two consignments of methamphetamine weighing 83.301 kilogrammes, were on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th December 2024, recovered from separate containers bearing vehicles and spare parts coming from Canada and heading to warehouses in the Ladipo automobile parts market in Mushin area of Lagos.

    “While one of the containers going to Ladipo market through the Sifax Bonded Terminal was examined on Thursday 12th December, not less than 5.001kg methamphetamine hidden in a bag wrapped in bed sheet that came in a Toyota Camry car, was recovered, even as a businessman, Isaac Onwumere linked with the consignment was promptly arrested.

    Read Also: Children malnutrition: FG moves to reverse Nigeria’s top global, continental ranking

    “The other container bearing automobile spare parts checked on Friday 13th December was found to contain 1, 735 parcels of Loud packed in 44 jumbo bags with a total weight of 867.5kg and six plastic coolers containing 87 packs of methamphetamine weighing 78.3kg. At least two businessmen: Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe have been arrested in connection with the seizure.”

    The two consignments, which weighed 83.301kg, were worth N124,951,000 while the 867.5kg Loud is worth N2,168,750,000 .

    The consignments were tracked from the Canadian port to Lagos by the Special Operations Units in NDLEA and their colleagues at Tin Can Port.

    He added: “The first container with 5.001kg meth came under the radar of NDLEA’s intelligence network on 4th October 2024 when the preparation for the shipment began in Toronto, Canada, monitored through 8th October when the shipment was received at the rail ramp, loaded on the rail and departed to Montreal, Canada where it arrived and was unloaded the following day 9th October.’’

    Babafemi continued: “The consignment was further monitored till it was loaded on a vessel on 19th October through when the vessel arrived and discharged at Antwerp in Belgium on 30th October after which the consignment was trans-shipped and loaded on 14th November before arriving Lagos port on 1st December and released to a bonded terminal two days after.

    “The second shipment containing 867.5kg Loud and 78.3kg methamphetamine followed the same route. It came under NDLEA’s intelligence tracking on 8th October 2024 when the consignments were delivered to the shipper in Toronto, Canada, loaded on the rail on 14th October and arrived Montreal the following day, 15th, after which they were loaded on a vessel to Europe on 20th October.’’

    He said after the trans-shipment at Antwerp in Belgium on November 6 and 17, the consignments were tracked from the vessel at Lagos port on December 6 before they were moved to the terminal four days later.

    Babafemi said at the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers State, 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup from India worth over N4.4 billion were seized on December 9,11, and 13,.

    The seizures, he added, were made during an examination of four containers by men of the NDLEA, and Customs, among others, at the port.

     Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) stated that the successes should show the drug barons and cartels that the agency has the capacity  to track their movements and their consignments even before getting to Nigeria. He said they would continue to lose heavily if they fail to back down on the criminal trade.

    Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi yesterday said, Customs, in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), intercepted over 695,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol.

     Adeniyi made this known at the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar, according to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada.

    Adeniyi, who gave the keynote address entitled: “Protecting National Security Through Effective Border Control: The Nigeria Customs Example,” emphasised the vital role of border management in national security, describing borders as more than just geographical boundaries. .

    Adeniyi added that the NCS generated a record-breaking N5.1 trillion.

    “We have equally strengthened partnerships with both domestic and international stakeholders,’’. he said.

    The CGC noted that this achievement was not merely about numbers, but also reflected the efficiency of the Customs workers

     The NCS also intercepted several arms shipments, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at Onne Seaport.

    “These efforts have significantly disrupted the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which remain a persistent threat to national security. Additionally, the NCS’s collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led to so many interceptions of illicit drugs.” CGC Adeniyi said.

    He also brought attention to the Service’s role in combating wildlife trafficking, detailing how officers intercepted 4,200 kilograms of pangolin scales and ivory, underscoring the NCS’s dedication to biodiversity conservation and international compliance.

    The CGC said the use of geospatial technologies, such as satellite feeds and geo-mapping, has enhanced the Service’s surveillance and enforcement capabilities, ensuring that these operations are not only effective but sustainable.

    Meanwhile, the NCS clinched the ‘Best National Security Service in West, East, and Central Africa 2023/2024’ award at the event.

  • NDLEA intercepts N3.3billion Meth, Loud Christmas shipments in auto parts from Canada

    NDLEA intercepts N3.3billion Meth, Loud Christmas shipments in auto parts from Canada

    …arrests three businessmen linked to consignments in Lagos

    …recovers N4.4billion worth opioids in Rivers

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted shipments of Methamphetamine and Loud, a strong synthetic strain of cannabis, worth billions  concealed in automobile spare parts imported from Canada at the Tincan seaport in Lagos 

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the shipments were intercepted after months of intelligence-driven tracking of the cargoes across three continents.

    He said the drugs were intended for distribution during the Christmas and New Year festive season.

    Babafemi said: “For the first time in the history of NDLEA’s anti-narcotic operations, two consignments of methamphetamine weighing 83.301 kilograms were on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th December 2024, recovered from separate containers bearing vehicles and spare parts coming from Canada and heading to warehouses in the Ladipo automobile parts market in Mushin area of Lagos. 

    Read Also: Tell us now, what you want from 2025 budget, Abbas tells Nigerians

    “While one of the containers going to Ladipo market through the Sifax bonded terminal was examined on Thursday 12th December, not less than 5.001kg methamphetamine hidden in a bag wrapped in bed sheet that came in a Toyota Camry car, was recovered, even as a businessman, Isaac Onwumere  linked with the consignment was promptly arrested.

    “The other container bearing automobile spare parts checked on Friday 13th December was found to contain 1, 735 parcels of Loud packed in 44 jumbo bags with a total weight of 867.5kg and six plastic coolers containing 87 packs of methamphetamine weighing 78.3kg. At least, two businessmen: Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe have been arrested in connection with the seizure. 

    “The two meth consignments have a combined weight of 83.301kg worth One Hundred and Twenty-Four Million Nine Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand Naira (124,951,000.00) while the 867.5kg Loud is worth Two Billion One Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N2,168,750,000.00) in street value.

    “The seizures were made during a joint examination of the shipments with Customs and other port stakeholders. This followed months of intelligence processing and tracking of the consignments from their ports of loading in Canada to the landing port in Lagos by combined Special Operations Units in NDLEA and the Tincan Port Strategic Command of the Agency.

    “The first container with 5.001kg meth came under the radar of NDLEA’s intelligence network on 4th October 2024 when the preparation for the shipment began in Toronto, Canada, monitored through 8th October when the shipment was received at the rail ramp, loaded on the rail and departed to Montreal, Canada where it arrived and was unloaded the following day 9th October. 

    “The consignment was further monitored till it was loaded on a vessel on 19th October through when the vessel arrived and discharged at Antwerp in Belgium on 30th October after which the consignment was trans-shipped and loaded on 14th November before arriving Lagos port on 1st December and released to a bonded terminal two days after.

    “The second shipment containing 867.5kg Loud and 78.3kg methamphetamine followed the same route. It came under NDLEA’s intelligence tracking on 8th October 2024 when the consignments were delivered to the shipper in Toronto, Canada, loaded on the rail on 14th October and arrived Montreal the following day, 15th, after which they were loaded on a vessel to Europe on 20th October. 

    “After arrival and trans-shipment at Antwerp in Belgium on 6th and 17th November respectively, the consignments were tracked till they arrived and discharged from the vessel at Lagos port on 6th December before being moved to the terminal on 10th December,” he said.

    Babafemi said at the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers state, 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth over N4.4 billion in street value were intercepted in shipments from India on Monday 9th, Wednesday 11th and Friday 13th December 2024.

    He said the seizures were made during a joint examination of four containers by NDLEA officers, men of Customs and other security agencies at the port following processed credible intelligence on the shipments.

    “With the same vigour, 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 sensitisation lecture to students and staff of City Comprehensive College, Ogidi, Anambra; Government Secondary School, Toungo, Adamawa; Bonny Camp Primary School, Victoria Island, Lagos; Government Junior Secondary School, Yarganji, Kano, while Oyo state command of NDLEA delivered WADA enlightenment lecture to leaders, elders, youths and residents of Tapa community, Tapa, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the Special Operations Units, Tincan,  and Onne Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that the operational successes should show the drug barons and cartels that the Agency has the capacity and intelligence network to track their movements and their consignments even before getting to Nigeria. He said they will continue to lose heavily if they fail to back down on the criminal trade,” the statement reads.