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  • NDLEA nabs ‘most wanted Lagos drug baron’ Temo

    NDLEA nabs ‘most wanted Lagos drug baron’ Temo

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has arrested the overall head of the Mushin, Lagos drug cartel, 57-year-old Alhaji Sulaiman Jimoh (alias Olowoidiogede, popularly known as Temo).

    Director, Media and Publicity NDLEA National Headquarters, Femi Babafemi, said Temo was arrested by operatives at his enclave after “an initial resistance from him and his horde of hoodlums.”

    Babafemi said this arrest comes after many years of wearing the toga of invincibility,

    The spokesman said in the last two years, the NDLEA had intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs worth billions owned by Temo but he had remained largely evasive.

    Babafemi added a few encounters with the drug lord and his armed gangs in his Mushin enclave had resulted in gunfight.

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    The statement reads: “Some of the recent seizures of his shipments include: a 14, 524.8 kilograms of Ghana Loud, a strong strain of cannabis sativa, smuggled into Lagos from Ghana in two trucks and a J5 bus intercepted at Ojuelegba area of Lagos in the early hours of Sunday 28th January 2024; two truck-loads of the same substance weighing 8,852kg intercepted at Eleko beach, Lekki Lagos on 4th May 2023 and 252kg of Loud seized from his enclave in Mushin on Wednesday 26th July 2023.

    “Indeed, in the last two encounters, his men engaged NDLEA operatives in gunfight.

    The drug kingpin was very notorious for always being on the move to evade arrest but with persistence and determination of the Agency aided by modern tools and intelligence, the concerted effort to get him paid off at 10am on Monday 22nd July 2024 when NDLEA’s surveillance teams on his trail tracked and pinned him down at Igbarere street, Mushin.

    “A reinforcement of about 100 operatives was immediately mobilized to the area while he was attempting to escape in a Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 350 marked 01G-300G. His attempt to escape by mobilizing hoodlums to engage and distract the operatives however failed after which he was overpowered and whisked away from the chaotic scene while his men surrendered to the superior firepower of the anti-narcotic agents who also succeeded in recovering the Mercedes Benz SUV the suspect was found in.

    In his reaction to the arrest of Temo, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the Lagos State Command, Special Monitoring Task Force and other formations tasked with the assignment of getting Temo arrested for their resilience, vigilance, and professionalism. He urged them to intensify the heat on all drug cartels wherever they are located.”

  • NDLEA inducts Optiva Capital boss as WADA Ambassador

    NDLEA inducts Optiva Capital boss as WADA Ambassador

    • We will transform health sector, Nechi promises

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inducted Chairman of Optiva Capital Partners, Franklin Nechi, into an ambassadorial role within its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.

    The ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Lagos at the weekend.

    The WADA initiative is a campaign to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. It focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, promoting drug-free lifestyles, and strengthening community participation in the fight against drug problems through educational programs, public sensitisation campaigns, collaborations with other government agencies and international organizations, and enforcement actions to reduce the supply and demand for illicit drugs.

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    NDLEA’s Assistant Commandant-General of Narcotics, Mrs. Archie-Abia Ibinabo, said: “The overarching goal of NDLEA WADA is to create a safer, healthier society by reducing the prevalence of drug abuse and its associated social, economic, and health impacts.

    “It is expedient to leverage the influence and reach of prominent individuals to effectively combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in our communities. We conducted a background check on Mr. Franklin Nechi and Dr. Jane Kimemia, and found them very worthy to be part of this initiative.”

  • NDLEA intercepts N9.8billion worth of codeine shipments from India

    NDLEA intercepts N9.8billion worth of codeine shipments from India

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted another batch of seven containers carrying 1, 229, 400 bottles of Codeine worth over N9,835,200,000.00 from India at the Onne ports in Rivers State.

    This comes barely three weeks after the agency seized 6,125 cartons of codeine syrup containing 1,050,000 bottles of the opioid worth over N7, 350, 000,00 at the Port Harcourt Ports complex, Onne, Rivers state.

    According to a statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, the latest seizure made on Thursday, July 18, is the fourth and last set of such consignments that have been under the watchlist of the Agency’s Maritime Special Operations Unit Targeting Team.

    Babafemi said they worked in partnership with the Port Harcourt Ports Command of the Agency and other security agencies including the Customs Service for a 100 percent joint examination of the targeted containers.

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    This, he said, followed credible intelligence and months of diligent tracking of the consignments from their port of departure.

    The statement reads: “At the joint examination of the containers with other security agencies on Thursday, all the seven containers were found bearing a total of 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup with 1, 229, 400 bottles weighing 184,410 kilograms.

    “A breakdown of the shipments that came from India via the Maersk Vigo Vessel shows that the container marked SEKU 6439421 has 875 cartons with 175,000 bottles of codeine weighing 26,250kg.

    “Other items in the container include 70 cartons of chilli cutters and 55 cartons of hyregra tablets weighing 1,100kg. Another container marked CMAU 9410422 contains 875 cartons of codeine with 175,000 bottles weighing 26,250 kg.

    “Other items in the container include 15 cartons of chilli cutters and 60 cartons of hyregra tablets weighing 1,200 kg. Also, the container marked TLLU 7595503 has a total of 1, 754 cartons of codeine syrup containing 179, 400 bottles weighing 26,910kg.

    “Four other containers marked: TRHU 515117; CMAU 7877125; CMAU 8533700; and CMAU 3882205 contain 175,000 bottles of the same substance each in addition to other items such as chilli cutters, cartons of hyregra tablets and diclofenac used to mask the shipments.

    “In his response to the latest seizure, Chairman/ Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended all the officers, men and women of the various formations of the Agency that had been working on the targeted containers for months for their diligence, vigilance and professionalism.

    “He equally praised the support received from other stakeholders at the ports that enabled the seamless and successful operations in the course of targeting the shipments.

    “He said the operation, which had inflicted heavy losses on the cartels behind the shipments has further degraded their capacity and financial base.”

  • NDLEA auctions properties forfeited by drug cartels

    NDLEA auctions properties forfeited by drug cartels

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday auctioned properties and assets seized from drug cartels, worth millions of naira.

    Speaking during the event in Abuja, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.- Gen. Buba Marwa said the agency followed due process and transparency in the auction.

    Marwa, who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, said the agency  also ensured that prices were close to the estimates provided by the Federal Government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the assets were seized during raids and operations across the country.

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    Marwa said that the auction was a demonstration of its commitment to tackling drug trafficking and criminal organisations.

    He emphasised the importance of the forfeiture process, adding that it was a key aspect of the 2022 Proceeds of Crime Act.

    He explained that the agency’s Process and Crimes Department manages and realises forfeited assets, ensuring that criminals do not benefit from their illegal activities.

  • NDLEA intercepts U.S.-bound drugs in shoe soles

    NDLEA intercepts U.S.-bound drugs in shoe soles

    • Recovers 11,096kg illicit drugs in Edo, Borno, Ogun, Katsina raids

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized various quantities of cocaine and opioids such as Tramadol, Pentazocine injection, Morphine sulphate, Ketamine injection, among others, concealed in soles of shoes, clothes and other items being shipped to the United States, United Kingdom and Cyprus from Lagos.

    In a statement, the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, yesterday, said while no less than 250 grammes of cocaine going to Cyprus was hidden in soles of custom-made shoes, over five kilogrammes of opioids heading to the U.S. and U.K. were discovered by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) in clothes and other household items meant to be shipped through some courier firms in Lagos.

    He said a consignment of 440 grammes of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis coming from Canada to Lagos was equally intercepted by operatives in one of the logistic companies.

    He added that NDLEA operatives in Edo State on July 10, intercepted a vehicle marked Abuja GWA 273 DD at Ewu Junction, Esan Central LGA following credible intelligence.

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    The statement indicated that the luggage of one of the occupants, Aminu Abdullahi, 32, was searched and found to allegedly contain custard containers, where 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg were buried in the custard powder.

    Babafemi said the suspect, in his statement, claimed the drugs were bought in Onitsha, Anambra State and he was taking them to the Mararaba area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to sell.

    He said in another operation on July 11, NDLEA’s operatives raided the Ohen forest, Abudu area of Edo and destroyed 5,429.751kg of cannabis on 2.918 hectares of farmlands where four suspects: Godday Ariye, 37; Friday Okafor, 59; Obinna Nwosu, 48; and Yusuf Adamu, 27, were arrested.

    The statement reads, “Similarly, 300 kilogrammes of  the same substance were recovered from Uzzeba Obi camp in Owan West LGA when NDLEA officers raided the location on Saturday 13th July.

    “In Ogun State, operatives on Tuesday, 9th July, recovered a total of 2,865 kilograms of cannabis at Afami Ibese while the suspected owner, Umar Ibese, is currently at large.

  • US, UK, Europe-bound cocaine, opioids concealed in shoe soles, clothes seized in Lagos

    US, UK, Europe-bound cocaine, opioids concealed in shoe soles, clothes seized in Lagos

    …as NDLEA intercepts tramadol pills in custard container

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted various quantities of cocaine and opioids such as tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulphate, and ketamine injection, among others concealed in soles of shoes, clothes and other items being shipped to the United States, United Kingdom and Cyprus from Lagos.

    This was according to a statement by the director of media and advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, July 14.

    Babafemi said while no less than 250 grams of cocaine going to Cyprus was hidden in the soles of custom-made shoes, over five kilograms of opioids heading to the US and UK were discovered by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) in clothes and other household items meant to be shipped through some courier firms in Lagos.

    He said in the same vein, a consignment of 440 grams of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis coming from Canada to Lagos was equally intercepted by operatives in one of the logistic companies.

    He added that NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Wednesday 10th July 2024 intercepted a vehicle marked Abuja GWA 273 DD at Ewu junction, Esan Central LGA following credible intelligence.

    The statement indicated that the luggage of one of the occupants, Aminu Abdullahi, 32, was searched and found to contain custard containers, where 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg were buried in the custard powder.

    Babafemi said the suspect, in his statement, claimed the drugs were bought in Onitsha, Anambra state and he was taking them to the Mararaba area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to sell.

    He said in another operation, operatives on Thursday 11th July raided the Ohen forest, Abudu area of Edo and destroyed 5,429.751kg of cannabis on 2.918 hectares of farmlands where four suspects: Godday Ariye, 37; Friday Okafor, 59; Obinna Nwosu, 48; and Yusuf Adamu, 27, were arrested.

    The statement reads: “Similarly, 300 kilograms of the same substance were recovered from Uzzeba Obi camp in Owan West LGA when NDLEA officers raided the location on Saturday 13th July.

    “In Ogun state, operatives on Tuesday 9th July, recovered a total of 2,865 kilograms of cannabis at Afami Ibese while the suspected owner, Umar Ibese is currently at large.

    “At least, 2,455 kilograms of materials for the production of Akuskura, a new psychoactive substance (NPS), were recovered from a warehouse in Konduga town, Konduga LGA, Borno state on Tuesday 9th July when NDLEA operatives in a joint operation with men of the Nigerian Army raided the area.

    “The following day, Wednesday 10th July, operatives in Katsina state arrested a 54-year-old Sabo Sule with 47kg cannabis in Katsina town.

    “In Lagos, operatives on Monday 8th July raided a warehouse in VGC, Lekki where they recovered 148 cartons of non-medical nitrous oxide popularly called laughing gas; 108 cartons of the fast gas cylinder; 134 pieces of balloon and 109 cartons of infusion charger, among others. A female suspect, Suliyat Abdulsalam was arrested in connection with the seizure.

    “With the same zeal, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country 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 for students of St. Louis Grammar School Senior, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo state; students and staff of Infant Jesus Model Secondary School, Oron, Akwa Ibom state; students and teachers of Ede High School, Ede, Osun state; students of Government Day Secondary School, Kalga Gari, Daura, Katsina state; and students of Rehoboth Secondary School, Okpuno Awka, Anambra state, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of Edo, Borno, Ogun, Katsina, Lagos, and FCT Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) noted their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain the current tempo.”

  • ‘Battle for drug-free society is a fight for all’

    ‘Battle for drug-free society is a fight for all’

    Worried by the increasing spate of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Directorate of Operations and General Investigation in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse has intensified efforts at raising awareness and combating drug-related issues.

    At a symposium recently held at the Nigerian Army Signal Barracks, Giwa Project, Falomo, Lagos, the agency drew attention of critical stakeholders to the need for a compassionate approach to those affected by drug use, while highlighting the importance of investing in preventing substance abuse through community and educational initiatives.

    The event, which had as theme The evidence is clear, invest in prevention highlighted the critical roles of law enforcement in tackling illicit drug trafficking.

    Interpol and other international agencies underscored the importance of collaboration to disrupt drug trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice.

    Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, in charge of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, Lagos, ArchieAbia Ibinabo described the event as a day set aside to create awareness on the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking as it affects the individual and the society.

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    She said that the event was highly significant as it is a day to collaborate with different stakeholders, to strengthen actions to ensure that we have a drug-free society. She commended the NDLEA for working on the fight to curb drug abuse, not just by arresting offenders, but by organizing ongoing anti-drug awareness campaigns, and also providing tools for the victims to stay healthy.

    “The NDLEA has had a success rate in curbing drug abuse and that is quite impressive, We have tried to get to them early before the evil merchants get to them, that way we inform them, and we give them the life tools to stay healthy. It’s been very helpful, it’s not just about getting people arrested, we bring the message to them and ensure that they turn a new leaf. You can see that there is a reduction in drug abuse issues.

    NDLEA is playing a very frontal role when it comes to that. We are in all entertainment and exit ports in Nigeria. We’re there to stop the drugs from coming or going out from our nation. We are solidly behind the issues of a drug-free society. We try to take away the drugs from the society,” she said.

    Regional Sales Manager, Vixa Pharmaceuticals, Margery Oparaocha, pointed out the destructive characteristics of drug addiction, ranging from tolerance to withdrawal. She urged organisations to ensure their workers had time to relax because when tension builds up, they will want to find a way to ease it, and they may resort to drugs.

    “I could see the synergy from all quarters and that makes us see that the evidence is here and we should invest in prevention. Prevention could be in any capacity. As little as exercising your body goes a long way in preventing drug abuse and it goes to owners of organisations, to ensure that the workers under them have time to recreate, because when the tension builds up, the victim will find a way to ease it off and that easing off is what lands us in the problem. Prevention is very key and we’re all here for it,” she said.

    She noted that the fight for drugs is a fight for all as the impacts are not gender-selective or age-selective, nor is it a respecter of anyone.

    “I picked one thing from it, the evidence, like the theme is, the evidence is clear, the evidence is here with us. Going by the speeches of the various speakers, you could pick that everyone is seeing the handwriting on the walls. We all see the menace that the drugs are causing and it is a concern for everyone. It is not what NDLEA can do alone, it’s a fight for all because the impact is not gender-selective and they are not age-selective. They don’t respect any person. If something is posing such a danger to all, I think it is time to fight against it,” she added.

    Public health physician Tuyi Mebawondu called for increased cooperation and support for those struggling with addiction. He said that stigmatisation is a big issue, and we should find a way to run away from stigmatising people who are having drug challenges. “Let us join hands together and help them and stop discrimination.

    “Prevention is total, you prevent at home, in school, in your establishment. Don’t give room to people to use drugs, don’t give room to people to glamourise drugs, prevention is the job of all of us, we shouldn’t forget to set up the young ones that are drug-free, let us see how to reward how to be drug-free. People should be able to ask for drug history, not because of discrimination but perhaps you need help. Those that need help, let them be helped,” he added. 

    The International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to create a safer, healthier world free from the scourge of drug abuse.

  • NDLEA arrests wanted drug baron in village mansion

    NDLEA arrests wanted drug baron in village mansion

    • Operatives recover guns, raid bases in Imo, Port Harcourt

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested the leader of the syndicate behind the production and distribution of deadly psychoactive substance, methamphetamine, popularly called ‘mkpuru mmiri’, Joachin Chikaodi Mbonu, in his house in his hometown in Imo State.

    The agency said the 42-year-old was arrested alongside his associate in his mansion tucked in his Umuomi village, Uzogba-Ezenomi autonomous community, Ikeduru Local Government Area (LGA).

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement yesterday, said the cartel with operational bases in Imo and Rivers states became a target of the agency, following intelligence indicating it is responsible for the distribution of substantial quantity of methamphetamine in Southeast, Southsouth and other parts of the country.

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    Babafemi said after weeks of surveillance, officers of a special operations unit of the agency on July 5, this year, tracked and traced the drug lord to his  mansion in the village where he was caught with a member of his cartel, Kenneth Chibuike Ofoegbu, 34, with quantities of methamphetamine, its precursor chemicals, a pump action gun and cartridges recovered.

    He said exhibits recovered from the house include: 419.99 grams of methamphetamine; 750 grams of iodine, a precursor chemical for meth; 500 grams of sodium bicarbonate, a precursor chemical for meth; two electronic weighing scales and a pump action gun with four cartridges.

    According to the statement, the NDLEA operatives moved to another of Mbonu’s hideout at 11 Redemption Avenue, Port Harcourt, where they recovered additional exhibits: 750 grams of processed sodium bicarbonate; 170 grams of plain sodium bicarbonate and 75 grams of meth.

    It indicated that another raid in the home of one of Mbonu’s associates, Odoemenam Pedro Chinedu, at large, at Njaba LGA, Imo State, led to the recovery of another pump action gun with 25 cartridges, among other items.

    Babafemi said while the kingpin cools his heels in custody, two of his mansions in Imo state have been marked for possible forfeiture to the Federal Government.

    The statement reads: “Mbonu had escaped from South Africa where he lived for years and mastered the art of cooking methamphetamine after he came under investigation for drug dealings. Upon his return to Nigeria, he continued the criminal trade by setting up clandestine laboratories in remote villages to shield his nefarious activities.

    “Reacting to the successful taking down of the meth syndicate, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) commended the officers and men involved in the multi-pronged operation, while he stated that the manner the interdiction was carried out should send a strong signal to other cartels that there’s no hiding place for them in any part of the country,” the statement reads.

  • NDLEA arrests wanted drug baron arrested in mansion in hometown, recovers meth, guns

    NDLEA arrests wanted drug baron arrested in mansion in hometown, recovers meth, guns

    …raids Imo, Port Harcourt operational bases, nabs associate

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested the leader of the syndicate behind the production and distribution of the deadly psychoactive substance, methamphetamine, popularly called ‘mkpuru mmiri’, Joachin Chikaodi Mbonu, in his house in his hometown in Imo state.

    The agency said the 42-year-old was arrested alongside his associate in his mansion tucked in his Umuomi village, Uzogba-Ezenomi autonomous community, Ikeduru local government area.

    The director of media and advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Tuesday, July 9, said the cartel with operational bases in Imo and Rivers state became a target of the Agency following intelligence indicating it is responsible for the distribution of a substantial quantity of methamphetamine in South East, South-South and other parts of the country.

    Babafemi said after weeks of surveillance, officers of a special operations unit of the Agency on Friday 5th July 2024, tracked and traced the drug lord to his village mansion in Imo state where he was caught with a member of his cartel, Kenneth Chibuike Ofoegbu, 34, with different quantities of methamphetamine, its precursor chemicals, a pump action gun and cartridges recovered.

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    He said exhibits recovered from the house include: 419.99 grams of methamphetamine; 750 grams of iodine, a precursor chemical for meth; 500 grams of sodium bicarbonate, a precursor chemical for meth; two electronic weighing scales and a pump action gun with four cartridges.

    According to the statement, the NDLEA operatives moved swiftly to another of Mbonu’s hideouts located at 11 Redemption Avenue, Port Harcourt, Rivers state where they recovered additional exhibits: 750 grams of processed sodium bicarbonate; 170 grams of plain sodium bicarbonate, and 75 grams of meth.

    It indicated that another raid in the home of one of Mbonu’s associates, Odoemenam Pedro Chinedu, currently at large, at Njaba LGA, Imo state, led to the recovery of another pump action gun with 25 cartridges, among other items.

    Babafemi said while the kingpin cools his heels in custody, two of his mansions in Imo state have been marked for possible forfeiture to the federal government.

    The statement reads: “Mbonu had escaped from South Africa where he lived for years and mastered the art of cooking methamphetamine after he came under investigation for drug dealings. Upon his return to Nigeria, he continued the criminal trade by setting up clandestine laboratories in remote villages to shield his nefarious activities.

    “Reacting to the successful taking down of the meth syndicate, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men involved in the multi-pronged operation, while he stated that the manner the interdiction was carried out should send a strong signal to other cartels that there’s no hiding place for them in any part of the country,” the statement reads.

  • NDLEA smashes cocaine syndicate, recovers N2.1b drug, arrests couple in Lagos raid

    NDLEA smashes cocaine syndicate, recovers N2.1b drug, arrests couple in Lagos raid

    …nabs Osun monarch, Chadian, youth corps member for drug trafficking

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has raided the Lagos base of a high-profile cocaine syndicate headed by a couple: Agbakoba John Mmadu, and Agbakoba Ijeoma, where large consignments of the substance meant for export and local distribution were recovered.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Sunday, July 7.

    Babafemi said the raid carried out by a special operations unit of the Agency followed months of intelligence gathering and surveillance on the syndicate notorious for packaging, distributing and trafficking of cocaine within and outside Nigeria.

    He said the 54-year-old Agbakoba John Mmadu was arrested at Ago palace way, Okota while his wife, Agbakoba Ijeoma Chinwe, 39, and associate, Okoye Ifeoma Maryjane, 31, who doubles as their stash keeper, were nabbed at Plot 2205 Eugene Ndubisi close, Lilly Estate, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, all on Wednesday 3rd July 2024.

    Babafemi said while seven parcels of cocaine with a total weight of 7.652 kilograms were recovered from Mmadu at Ago palace way, not less than 122 compressed pellets of the same drug weighing 2.42kg were seized from the duo of Ijeoma and Ifeoma at Lilly Estate, bringing the total seizure to 10.1 kilograms valued at over N2.1 billion in street value.

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    He also said NDLEA operatives in Benue state on Thursday 4th July intercepted a consignment of 350 grams of cocaine at a check point along Enugu road, Otukpo. 

    The spokesman said the illicit drug was concealed in an MP3 speaker sent as a waybill parcel. 

    A swift follow up operation at Flight motor park in Otukpo led to the arrest of the owner, 25-year-old Odeh Anthony, he said.

    He added that NDLEA officers on a stop and search operation along Ngurore – Yola road in Adamawa state on Wednesday 3rd July arrested a Chadian, Yves Ahmat Gali in a commercial bus coming from Kano to Yola. 

    According to the statement, the suspect was found with a loud speaker used to conceal 20 compressed blocks, and nine plastic containers of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 5.200kg.

    Babafemi said in Kano, operatives on Wednesday 3rd July arrested a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Yusuf Abdulrahman, 25, at Corpers Lodge, Sumaila area of the city, with 1.250kg of Loud.

    He said in Osun state, the head of Akarabata community in Ile-Ife, Ba’ale Ige Babatunde, 50, was on Friday 5th July arrested with fresh cannabis plants that weighed 5kg.

    He said two suspects: Monday Ali, 49, and Jimoh Alewi, 37, were arrested when NDLEA operatives raided Ikota forest in Ifedore LGA, Ondo state where a total of 42,500kg cannabis was destroyed on 17 hectares of farmland.

    Babafemi added that 73.5kg of same substance was recovered for the prosecution of the suspects during a five-day operation that ended on Monday 1st July.

    The statement reads: “In Abuja, the FCT, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 6th July arrested the duo of Sanusi Mamman, 28, and Usaini Ibrahim, 20, in a vehicle along Abaji- Gwagwalada with 1,132 bottles of codeine syrup; 13, 540 pills of tramadol; 50,000 pills of diazepam and 59 pills of rophynol. The suspects claimed they were bringing the opioids from Onitsha, Anambra state.

    “With the same drive, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

    “These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for students of Community Grammar School (Junior), Aroro, Ibadan, Oyo state;  students of Candy Secondary School, Agu Awka, Anambra state; students of Community High School, Umuida, Enugu Ezike, Enugu state; students of School for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Kofar Nasarawa, Kano state and  WADA sensitisation lecture organized by Zone M Zonal Command of NDLEA at Sabo motor park, Kaduna, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the Special Operations Unit, Osun, Benue, Ondo, Kano, and FCT Commands for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) noted their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain the tempo.”