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Tag: NDLEA

  • NDLEA raids Lagos, 5 other states; recovers 99,867 pills of opioids

    NDLEA raids Lagos, 5 other states; recovers 99,867 pills of opioids

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested one Obiorah Chigozie Samuel, a drug kingpin wanted for attempts to ship illicit drug consignments to the United Kingdom, .

    The agency, said Samuel’s arrest tops the list of arrests made by its operatives through interdiction operations that led to the seizure of four tons of illicit substances in the past week.

    Spokesman of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

    Babafemi said the suspect has been on the wanted list of the Agency since 15th September 2023 when a consignment of 1.500kg skunk concealed in flour going to London, UK was intercepted at the SAHCO export shed of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos, and his freight agent, Nworah Adaugo Precious arrested.

    He said convinced that the 1.500kg consignment had sailed through, Obiorah walked into the Agency’s dragnet on Thursday 28th September when he personally brought another tranche of 2.00kg concealed in cartons to the airport for shipment to the UK. 

    According to the statement, in his interview, Obiorah claimed he was into shoes sales in Lagos before venturing into the illicit drug business.

    Babafemi said this was as NDLEA officers arrested a Chadian, Mohammed Ibrahim, 25, at Mafa check point, Borno state with 11.8kgs of skunk on Monday 25th September.

    Read Also: Crush illicit drug syndicate, Tinubu urges NDLEA, partners

    He added that in Kwara state recovered 104kgs of skunk from a Toyota camry car in Offa area of the state.

    Meanwhile, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Agency on Friday 29th September intercepted a container truck with registration number BD G41 XM coming from Lagos to Kano at the Gwagwalada area of the FCT. 

    Babafemi said no less than 1,188 kilograms of skunk loaded at Owo, Ondo state and hidden under cartons of tooth paste were recovered from the truck and its driver, Amafan Fattison, 28, arrested.

    He said in the same vein, NDLEA officers in Bayelsa state on Wednesday 27th September seized 432kgs of the same substance from an abandoned J5 bus along Saipem road, Opolo, Yenagoa. 

    He said the vehicle was equally recovered from the scene for further investigation.

    The statement reads: “In Kano, a septuagenarian grandpa, Ado Mai Unguwa, 70, was arrested on Saturday 30th September with 143.2kgs skunk in Dindere village, Tofa LGA, while operatives in Enugu same day recovered 110.6kgs of same substance from a locked-up shop at Aria new market.

    “Operatives in Lagos also on Saturday 30th September stormed the notorious Idi-Oro drug enclave in Mushin where they seized 212.5kgs of cannabis sativa belonging to a wanted drug lord. 

    “In Plateau, the state police command in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration transferred four suspects: Yusuf Akim; Frank Gah; Jackson Ejeh and Joseph Utsu, and 1,978kgs cannabis recovered from them to the state command of NDLEA, while in Cross River, operatives on Monday 25th September seized 40,000 ampules of pentazocine injection from two suspects: Fajulugbe Adeshola Temitayo, 35, and Nnaorji Agwe Solomon, 54, at Mobil by MCC

    road, Calabar.

    “Also in Kogi state, NDLEA officers on Wednesday 27th September arrested a

    suspect, Ifeanyi Odoh, 25, with 59,867 pills of opioids including Tramadol and 4.03kgs cannabis sativa at Idah area of the state.

    “War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy activities equally continued across the country in the past week.

    “Some of them include: WADA advocacy visit to the Director/CEO, Nigeria French Village, Badagry, Lagos, Prof. Lateef Babatunde Ayeleru by the Seme Special Area command of NDLEA; WADA sensitisation lecture at Ar-Rahmania College of Health Sciences, Minna, Niger state; WADA advocacy lecture at Pentecostal Academy, Aba, Abia state and WADA sensitisation lecture for students and staff of School of Nursing, Eket, Akwa Ibom state among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, FCT, Bayelsa, Borno, Kogi, Kwara, Cross River, Borno and Enugu Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for ensuring a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”

  • NDLEA and Buba Marwa’s burden

    NDLEA and Buba Marwa’s burden

    There was a time in Nigeria when the name, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) suggested a dynamic, positive and functional institution. Perilous, and as the war against drug crimes and related offences was, society and criminals were conscious of the institution’s existence. During the time, everything was bright and beautiful for the Agency but, somewhere along the line, there was a lull and that lull represented a brief moment. It was as if it was strange to happen to Nigeria but, of course, it wasn’t strange to the world for a period of that nature to occur in public administration. Considering the level of corruption and institutional decay that has been deliberately overlooked in times past, the good news is that vibrant days are back under the present leadership.

    It is one of the less-used attributes of historicism to be able to deduce the patterns and styles of administration from the antecedents of leadership structure. In the present dispensation, the expectations of the masses, written or unwritten, sum up the total willpower and goodwill of the founding fathers. Therefore, whoever is chosen to head the government establishment no doubt reflects the assurance of the government that such aims and functions of the NDLEA would be achieved under him.

    Mohammed Buba Marwa was appointed as NDLEA Chairman at a critical time in Nigeria’s rich history. With only two years in office, it is interesting to note that the man at the apex of the institution has proved to Nigerians that he has something to offer; and those being mentored must not take it for granted, for this is the only way to sustain society. The management and staff of NDLEA must also be commended for previous achievements and improvements in the service to dear fatherland.

    By all appearances, Marwa has made a positive impact on the NLDEA. The 70-year-old, Kaduna State-born retired military officer has relevant, diverse and better exposure in training, and he has brought the effects of those qualities to bear on the Agency and used them to deliver the goals of that office. If we are looking for an ideal model in public office, Marwa is one sure candidate. As a former governor, the Armoured Officer is well connected. So, he has the adequate finesse to run that office. He lives among the people. His experiential knowledge in administration has also helped. He is also level-headed and very quiet. He’s neither lousy nor one of those reckless ‘owambe’ gangs, yet he’s efficient. If Tinubu’s government wants to succeed, these are the kinds of people to use. How we also wish countries where the threats of illicit substances and their purveyors have “crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams” would allow the Marwas of this world to help them!

    As President Bola Tinubu said in a Keynote Address to the 31st meeting of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF) recently, African continent would “remain in chains in a diseased and amoral world, as will our children and their children,” until it is able to “dismantle the criminal enterprises that threaten our future and build a brighter tomorrow for all Africans”. The tragic truth is that the devil has been around for long, cautious, yet determined. But again, that there’s an escalation of substance abuse in Nigeria has painted a picture of mere creation of a platform for surface scratching. For instance, how on earth will one claim to be fighting a societal menace while conditions that facilitate the same are being knowingly and intentionally watered and nurtured? How can Marwa dry the drug river that has already outburst its channel, with the spring of this dangerous river getting more illegally legitimate with each passing day? How can demons cast out demons and how can the Marlian emperor deal with his empire? Won’t success always be a steep hill to climb as long as the real lords of narcotics and highly influential cartels in the country continue to beat the long arm of the law to its strategies? 

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    How can Nigeria plough the best course when “the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions, and the well-being of our communities” are architectured by a carnival of uncertainties? Why won’t ours be a world “at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class” when, year in, year out, we allocate huge budgets to security and defence at the expense of equally critical sectors like Health and Agriculture? How can we enhance the production of goods and services in “a population at war with drugs?

    Right from time, Marwa has been a shrewd, decent and dutiful officer. But he is just a strong person doing well. But what happens after his tenure? The more reason those coming behind must watch what they do. A benchmark has already been set. It remains to be shown the aesthetics of management parley among future leaders. That’s what will distinguish the leadership of each institution because every leadership brings something that’s peculiar to it. Yes, that’s been our trajectory in Nigeria.

    Since vigilance is the eternal price of victory, NDLEA must never lose its guard. The Agency is like a house of glass. Therefore, caution must not be thrown to the wind because the cost of rectification may be too much to pay for a struggling country like Nigeria. As an institution that works, the government must ensure that NDLEA is sustained. It must be well-funded and given all supportive mechanisms to keep it afloat, until a tradition of perfection is established and sustained.

    By the way, Naira Marley is a warning, not only to the NDLEA but also others, not to move with the tide. Had the Agency conducted proper due diligence before venturing into the choice of a face, the Marlian malady that’s currently troubling its public perception would have been avoided. If a boss is tough, it’s better for him to wear it as a badge of honour. If the world likes, let it misconstrue the word, ‘tough’ for ‘bad’; a focused leader doesn’t have to be moved because ‘tough’ is what gets the job done.

    Whatever floats its boat, if it is necessary that NDLEA must have a face, let him or her be a credible person!

  • Tinubu affirms dedication to drug-free world, charges NDLEA to fulfill mandate

    Tinubu affirms dedication to drug-free world, charges NDLEA to fulfill mandate

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, September 26, expressed the commitment of the country towards ensuring a world that is not threatened by illicit drugs.

    The president, who spoke at the 31st meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa (HONLAF) in Abuja, vowed to ensure the country is not turned into a minefield of drug trafficking.

    The conference was hosted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    The chairman of the agency, Brig Gen Buba Marwa Rtd, was elected the chairman of HONLAF at the meeting.

    Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Kashim Shettima, promised his administration would continue to provide the necessary support, motivation, and tools for the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate.

    He said: “We are at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class. This threat has crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams. Without the moral commitment of the men and women in this room, this threat would have left cities, countries, and even civilization erased. So I must commend you for your sacrifices in the bid to keep our world drug-free, sane, and safe.

    “This conference emphasises your investment across borders to protect us from the devastation of drugs. A threat that only submits to the enforcement of the law. Therefore, we are grateful to HONLAF and its partners for creating this avenue, and for offering intelligence and drug law enforcement officers a grand opportunity to compare notes, collaborate, and build networks that would be several states ahead of the criminal network of transnational drug organizations.

    “The choice of Nigeria for this gathering I believe is a profound recognition of the campaign and fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria. It is led by our lead agency, the NDLEA. We are hosting the HONLAF meeting to reassure you of our promise to participate in building a world not threatened by the infiltration of illicit drugs.

    “Over the decades, criminal organizations have attempted to breach our security measures in their business of polluting nations and minds. But while it is a compliment that drug law enforcement organizations are a threat to their criminal empires, their desperation must never be taken for granted.

    “We have a commitment to fighting against drug trafficking and substance abuse. It is not just a matter of policy. It is a moral imperative. We recognize that a population at war with drugs is not a dividend but a liability. We believe in the future of our youths, the strength of our institutions and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to eradicate this threat.

    He further stated: “So I appeal to you to see this gathering as an avenue for the exchange of novel ideas and the development of practical strategies. We must consolidate established contacts, operational partnerships, and cooperation to ensure that the outcomes of these days of deliberation would advance public safety and the emergence of drug-free African communities.

    “Our strength has always been our proactive actions to prevent any individual or group from turning our countries into a minefield of drug trafficking. So we must prioritize prevention, dedication, and rehabilitation to empower our youths with knowledge and opportunities. We must steer them away from the treacherous path of drug abuse and trafficking and protect our economy from the consequences of their actions.

    “This administration would continue to provide the necessary support, motivation, and tools for the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate. We understand the connection between the success of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and the attainment of a number of goals on our socio-economic and security agenda.”

    Read Also: Why Tinubu should intervene in Akeredolu/Ayedatiwa rift

    In his speech, the NDLEA boss Marwa restated stakeholders’ commitment to addressing the world’s drug problem.

    He said Nigeria would continue to uphold the objectives of multilateral organizations dedicated to combating drug trafficking and related crimes.

    He emphasized the need for global partnerships in addressing drug trafficking and other vices.

    Marwa said the world’s drug problem cannot be effectively tackled by individual entities.

    Speakers at the opening session of the meeting included the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Mr Ghada Fathi Waly; the UNODC Country Representative, Mr Oliver Stolpe; The Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies, Mr Ayodele Adeleke, and Representative of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, among others.

  • Abuja-bound loads of Nitrous Oxide ‘laughing gas’ consignments seized on highway, says NDLEA

    Abuja-bound loads of Nitrous Oxide ‘laughing gas’ consignments seized on highway, says NDLEA

    • Agency seizes drugs on Abuja-bound consignment

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 1,194 cylinders of nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, weighing 2,547.2 kilograms.

    Spokesman Femi Babafemi, in a statement yesterday, said the substance, loaded in two Toyota Sienna vehicles, was intercepted on September 22 on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway. According to him, it was part of illicit and controlled drugs including skunk, codeine syrup, methamphetamine and tramadol intercepted by during interdiction operations in Lagos, Kogi, Abuja, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto and Edo states.

    He added that two suspects – Onyebuchi Ikpozu and Kenneth Igwe – conveying the consignments to Abuja for onward distribution, were arrested and are currently in custody.

    One of the vehicles (KTU 582 HV) was conveying 99 cartons, containing 594 cylinders and weighing 1,267.200kgs, the second (FKJ 329 YA) was conveying 100 cartons of the substance with 600 cylinders weighing 1,280kgs.

    Read Also: NDLEA intercepts 4,000kgs illicit drugs in Lagos, Kogi, FCT raids

    Babafemi added that one Mrs. Ugo Eluba (48), was also arrested in Abuja in a follow up operation after 2,400 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 100,000 tablets of Exol-5, intercepted in Kogi State, were traced to her.

    Also, in Abuja, operatives intercepted 977 kilograms of skunk in a trailer (LSR 343 XW), bearing cartons of maggi. The skunk consignment was loaded into the truck at Ipele junction in Ondo State.

    “While 959kgs of the substance were meant for distribution in Sokoto State, the rest was to be dropped off at Gwagwalada. Two suspects – Auwal Mohammed and Abdullahi Abubakar – have been arrested in connection with the seizure, while two other suspects – Mutari Abdulazeez (31) and Ayuba Madaki (28) – were also arrested on September 23 at Zuba area of Abuja with different quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis and 13,930 pills of tramadol,” he said.

  • NDLEA intercepts 4,000kgs illicit drugs in Lagos, Kogi, FCT raids

    NDLEA intercepts 4,000kgs illicit drugs in Lagos, Kogi, FCT raids

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has seized 1,194 cylinders of nitrous oxide known as laughing gas with a total weight of 2,547.2 kilograms.

    The spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, September 24, said the substance, loaded in two Toyota Sienna buses was intercepted on Friday, September 22,by operatives along Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway.

    He said it was part of four tons of illicit and controlled drugs including skunk, codeine syrup, methamphetamine and tramadol intercepted by operatives during interdiction operations in Lagos, Kogi, Abuja, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto and Edo states.

    He said two suspects, Onyebuchi Ikpozu and Kenneth Igwe, who were taking the consignments to the nation’s Federal Capital Territory for distribution, have been arrested and taken into custody.

    Babafemi said while one of the Toyota Sienna buses marked KTU 582 HV was conveying 99 cartons containing 594 cylinders weighing 1,267.200kgs, the second bus with registration number FKJ 329 YA was conveying 100 cartons of the substance with 600 cylinders weighing 1,280kgs.

    Read Also: NDLEA rescues five expectant teenagers from baby factory in Imo

    He said a 48-year-old woman, Mrs. Ugo Eluba, was also arrested in Abuja in a follow up operation after 2,400 ampules of pentazocine injection and 100,000 tablets of Exol-5 intercepted in Kogi state were traced to her.

    Also, in the FCT, he said operatives intercepted 977 kilograms of skunk on Wednesday 20th September in a trailer marked LSR 343 XW, bearing cartons of maggi.

    He said the skunk consignment was loaded into the truck at Ipele junction in Ondo state.

    Babafemi said: “While 959kgs of the substance were meant for distribution in Sokoto state, the rest was to be dropped off at Gwagwalada. Two suspects: Auwal Mohammed and Abdullahi Abubakar have been arrested in connection with the seizure, while two other suspects: Mutari Abdulazeez, 31, and Ayuba Madaki, 28, were also arrested on Saturday 23rd September at Zuba area of the FCT with different quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis and 13, 930 pills of tramadol.”

    He said in the same vein, Shuaibu Yusif, 27, and Abubakar Hussaini, 20, were on Saturday 23rd September nabbed with 89.1kgs of skunk along Kano -Hadejia road, Jigawa state during a stop and search patrol by NDLEA operatives.

    The spokesman said no fewer than 6,000 ampules of pentazocine injection were recovered from a suspect, Usman Musa Sidi, 35, on Monday 18th September along Abuja – Forest road, Kaduna while on his way to Bauchi state.

    According to him, the follow up operation in Bauchi led to the arrest of the actual owner of the consignment, Dominic Chukwuma, 35, on Tuesday 19th September, with at least 2.58kgs of Diazepam and 36.55kgs of pentazocine injection recovered from his home.

    He said two other suspects: Inuwa Nuhu and Isiyaku Dahiru Sani were also arrested same Tuesday in connection with the seizure of 49 blocks of cannabis sativa concealed in a black sack weighing 26kgs in a commercial vehicle coming from Ogere, Ogun state to Kano.

    The statement read: “While a total of 183kgs of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from body compartments of a J5 bus intercepted in Lagos on Wednesday 20th September, operatives in Sokoto, on Tuesday 19th September arrested one Charles Okeke, 44, with 473 bottles of codeine syrup at Unguwar Kosai area of Sokoto. In Edo state, 365 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 258kgs were recovered from a Toyota Camry car marked KTU 886 EZ at Igarra, Akoko Edo LGA.

    “In a massive operation between Monday 11th and Wednesday 13th September, NDLEA operatives stormed thick forests in Ijesha Isu-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti state, where they destroyed 40 tons (40,000 kilograms) of cannabis plants covering 16 hectares of farmland.”

  • NDLEA rescues five expectant teenagers from baby factory in Imo

    NDLEA rescues five expectant teenagers from baby factory in Imo

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives in Imo State along the Aba-Owerri Road have intercepted five expectant teenage girls suspected to be victims of child trafficking at a “baby factory”.

    Spokesman for the agency, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement yesterday, said they were picked up while being relocated from their hideout in Naze area of Owerri to Ikenegbu area of the state capital.

    He said the victims include: Chioma Emmanuel, 15; Uma Faith, 15; Divine Adimonye, 17; Opara Gift, 15; and Amarachi Mbata, 16.

    According to the agency, the girls, in their statements, claimed they did not know the men who impregnated them.

    Babafemi said the Imo State command of the agency had since been directed to hand them over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigations.

    Babafemi also said a Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced to five years, a drug dealer, Segun Odeyemi, for trafficking and dealing in 3,842 kilogrammes of skunk.

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    “He was arrested on July1 while conveying 89 jumbo bags of the illicit substance in his truck around Eleganza area of Ajah, Lekki. He was subsequently charged in suit number FHC/L/388C/2023 presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko,” he said.

    The agency said fresh attempts to export quantities of methamphetamine and skunk by members of some transnational drug trafficking organisations through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja and courier companies in Lagos have been thwarted by operatives.

    Babafemi, in the statement, said they intercepted the illicit drug consignments concealed in items.

    He said: “At the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives on September 12 intercepted an intending passenger going to Oman, Ugwu Peter Tochukwu, while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight. Upon a thorough search of his luggage, 7.50 kilogrammes of skunk were discovered concealed inside crayfish mixed with dry bitter leaf.

    “In the same vein, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations attached to some courier companies also intercepted Dubai-bound 2.9 kilogrammes of skunk and 14 grams of methamphetamine concealed in bags of semovita and soles of ladies’ high heel shoes.”

  • NDLEA rescues five pregnant teenage girls from baby factory in Imo

    NDLEA rescues five pregnant teenage girls from baby factory in Imo

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives in Imo state along the Aba-Owerri Road on Wednesday, September 13, intercepted five pregnant teenage girls suspected to be victims of child trafficking in a “baby factory”.

    The spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement on Sunday, September 17, said they were picked up while being relocated from their hideout in the Naze area of Owerri to Ikenegbu area of the state capital.

    He said the victims include: Chioma Emmanuel, 15; Uma Faith, 15; Divine Adimonye, 17; Opara Gift, 15; and Amarachi Mbata, 16.

    According to the Agency, the girls, in their statements, claimed they did not know the men who impregnated them.

    Babafemi said the Imo state command of the Agency has since been directed to hand them over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigations.

    He also disclosed that a Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, September 13, sentenced to five years imprisonment a drug dealer, Segun Odeyemi for trafficking and dealing in 3,842 kilograms of skunk.

    Read Also: NDLEA secures 45 convictions in August

    He said: “He was arrested on Saturday 1st July while conveying 89 jumbo bags of the illicit substance in his truck around the Eleganza area of Ajah, Lekki. He was subsequently charged in suit number FHC/L/388C/2023 presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko.”

    This was as the Agency said fresh attempts to export various quantities of methamphetamine and skunk by members of some transnational drug trafficking organisations through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja and courier companies in Lagos have again been thwarted by operatives.

    Babafemi, in the statement, said they intercepted the illicit drug consignments concealed in different items.

    He said: “At the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 12th September intercepted an intending passenger going to Oman, Ugwu Peter Tochukwu, while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight. Upon a thorough search of his luggage, 7.50 kilograms of skunk were discovered concealed inside crayfish mixed with dry bitter leaf.

    “In the same vein, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations attached to some courier companies also intercepted Dubai-bound 2.9 kilograms of skunk and 14 grams of methamphetamine concealed in bags of semovita and soles of ladies’ high heel shoes respectively.”

    He added that while two suspects: Moses Akowe, 32, and Sunday Gabriel, 31, were arrested with 227.1kgs of cannabis on Tuesday 11th September at Ikebe village, Ankpa LGA, Kogi state, a female suspect, Bilikisu Salako, 35, was nabbed with 108kgs of same substance on Saturday 16th September in Ifo area of Ogun state.

    The statement reads: “A total of 100 blocks of cannabis weighing 55kgs and 600 bottles of codeine-based syrup seized from the duo of Salisu Murtala and Shafi’u Dahiru on Tuesday 11th September along Abuja road have been traced to two other suspects: Muntari Nasiru and Yusuf Ali who were arrested in follow up operations in Kano.

    “In FCT Abuja, a 27-year-old Kingsley Chimaobi was arrested with 6,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup along Lokogoma-Abuja road on Tuesday 11th September.

    “Across the country, various commands of the Agency continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), sensitization activities in the past week taking advocacy messages to the stakeholders.

    “Instances of this include WADA advocacy visit to the head of Kadiria Islamic Sect of Africa, Sheikh Qaribullah Nasiru Kabara, in Kano; WADA sensitisation lecture for men and officers of Nigerian Army, Sobi barracks, Ilorin; lecture for the Muslim community in Kaduna; WADA sensitisation lecture at Enugu State College of Health and Technology, Oji- River; advocacy lecture for members of Ram Sellers Association, Osogbo as well as officers and men of the Nigerian Navy School of Music, Ota, Ogun state, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Imo, Kaduna, Ogun, Kogi, FCT, and Lagos Commands as well as those of DOGI for intensifying their drug control efforts, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded the commitment of all the commands across the country to work with other stakeholders to take the WADA sensitization lectures and advocacy messages to the communities, schools, worship centres, workplaces and traditional institutions. He charged them not to relent.”

  • NDLEA, NAFDAC, Sports enthusiasts discuss dangers of drug abuse, doping

    NDLEA, NAFDAC, Sports enthusiasts discuss dangers of drug abuse, doping

    Over 100 drug offenders have been arrested since January this year. Also, no less than 45 drug offenders were convicted in the month of August.

    This much was revealed by Isa Adoro, Assistant Commandant-General (Narcotics) Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at a symposium against the use of illicit substances, drug use and doping, organised by the Lagos Sports Writers Association (SWAN) in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the GolfView Suites & Conference Centre, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos recently.

    Supporting Adoro’s claim, Chinyerem Eziaghighala, Deputy Commander, Drug Reduction, NDLEA, Lagos, said 31,625 traffickers, including 35 barons have been intercepted since the coming on board of the present Chairman/ CEO of the agency, General Buba Marwa (rtd).

    She added that 6.3million kilogrammes of illicit drugs have been confiscated, while 23,725 drug users have been counselled.

    Declaring the symposium open, the representative of Gen Marwa (rtd), Dr Segun Oke, described doping as ‘artificialisation of success’.

    He said: “Doping is when you take a substance with a view that it will give you advantage to win a competition. What such person has done is to put something inside him, such that the performance is now beyond him.”

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    He added this is cheating and the repercussion is challenge of diplomacy, as the athlete is disqualified and the image of the country is challenged.

    A golf enthusiast and chairman Golfview Suites & Conference Centre, Dr Olugbenga Olowo, said sports is a big revenue business and condemned the current situation where the country almost totally relies on oil and gas.

    He therefore craved a revamping of the good old days of great football clubs like the IICC Shooting Stars, Stationery Stores, and a reawakening of what he termed ‘sleeping tourism in sports,’’  stressing that it has humongous returns.

    Chairman, SWAN Lagos Chapter, Olatutu Oladunni, said her takeaway in the day-long activity, was the message to athletes: “Do not cut corners; do not try to achieve success by any other means other than hardwork and commitment, because that will be cheating. Be yourself; do not go and take illicit substances… enough of doping, enough of drug abuse, enough of drug trafficking.”

    She thanked the Chairman, Chief Executive of the NDLEA, General Buba Marwa, for his support; the management of NAFDAC, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Sports and the National Anti -Doping Committee.

  • NDLEA remand man with 399 explosives in Niger

    NDLEA remand man with 399 explosives in Niger

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says 399 pieces of improvised explosive devices were recovered by its operatives from one Asana Oluwagbenga Leke, 39, along Mokwa-Jebba road on Thursday 7th September. 

    According to the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, the suspect said the explosives were handed to him at a park in Ibadan to be delivered to someone in Kaduna. 

    Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, September 10, said the suspect and exhibits have since been transferred to the military authorities in Niger state.

    The spokesman added that in Ogun state, a follow up operation led to the arrest of Yinka Azeez at Sabo Lafenwa, Abeokuta on Tuesday, September 5, following the seizure of 41kgs cannabis from Titilayo Adetayo at Sagumu Interchange the previous day. 

    Babafemi said two suspects: Muhammad Aliyu, 38, and Abdullahi Zakariya, 40, were arrested in Zaria-Kano Road and Haye Arewa, Hotoro, Kano, respectively over 426.5 kilograms of skunk seized from them on Tuesday September 5.

    He said: “While Onyeka Uzor, 25, was arrested at Idemili, Anambra state, with 64.8kgs skunk and tramadol, another suspect, Destiny Irabor was nabbed on Friday 8th September with over 180kgs of opioids loaded in his Toyota Sienna bus. In Kaduna, two suspects: Ahmed Yusuf and Rilwan Nura were arrested on Wednesday 6th September in connection with the seizure of 100 blocks of cannabis weighing 55kgs along Abuja road.

    “In Edo state, operatives stormed the Ekudo forest, Onwude LGA where they destroyed cannabis farms measuring 4.236347 hectares.”

    He added that operatives on Thursday 7th September raided the house of one Amuodu Egwehide, 40, in Iloje Okpuje, Owan West LGA, where they recovered 22 bags of skunk weighing 261.4kgs, while a 60-year-old grandma, Mrs. Eunice Egwehide was arrested in the town same day with 17kgs of same substance seized from her.  

    The statement also revealed that operatives of the NDLEA intercepted consignments of skunk concealed in tins of tomato paste and methamphetamine hidden in used clothes, meant for export to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

    It reads, “While the skunk in tomato pastes consignment weighing 20.00 kilograms was intercepted on Friday 8th September at the SAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja, the meth shipment with a gross weight of 1.60kg was seized at a courier company in Lagos.

    “Another consignment of 556 grams of Canadian Loud sent from Canada to one Tunji Adebayo in Ikorodu, Lagos was also intercepted by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, attached to courier firms. Though Adebayo was not home when operatives visited his house at 52, Aina Atoloye street, Ikorodu, he however directed his younger brother to sign for the package on his behalf. The brother was promptly arrested.

    “Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives on Monday 4th September raided the enclave of a notorious drug lord in Akala, Mushin, Lagos, Abdul Rauf (aka ‘Na God’) where 1,101kgs of Ghanaian Loud were recovered and three suspects arrested while the wanted kingpin remains at large.

    “In Kogi, 22-year-old Agada Emmanuel was arrested with 77.400kgs cannabis on Thursday 7th September along Okene – Lokoja – Abuja expressway while a total of 369,980 pills of opioids were also recovered on the same road on Monday 4th September and the suspect linked to the seizure, Kabiru Ahmad Abdullahi arrested in a follow up operation in Gombe state.

    “A suspect, Gapchiya Modu, 26, was arrested with 60kgs of cannabis along Kano-Nguru Road, Nguru, Yobe state, while in Imo state, 200 blocks of the same substance weighing 57kgs were recovered from Usim Orji, 45, along Aba-Owerri road on Wednesday 6th September.

    “After over two months of surveillance, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 6th September arrested a wanted kingpin, Idoko Festus Ifesinachi, 40, linked to the importation of 76.9kgs Canadian Loud intercepted in a container marked MSDU6686346 at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state on 2nd June. He was arrested at his hideout in Lagos and taken to Port Harcourt.

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    “Beside the various drug control efforts, the state Commands and other formations also continued the Agency’s War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaigns to schools, worship places, palaces and local communities among others. Among them include WADA advocacy visit to His Royal Highness, Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maji; the sensitization lectures conducted for members of Hairdressers Association, Ila Orangun; at RCCG, Dominion Tower, Port Harcourt, and for Muslim faithful at Harmony Estate central mosque, Ilorin, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Ogun, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Kogi, Anambra, Niger, Edo, Yobe, and Imo Commands of the Agency as well as those of DOGI, for their balanced efforts in drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across the country to keep up the good work.”

  • NDLEA intercepts ephedrine, skunk, laughing gas consignments at Lagos airport

    NDLEA intercepts ephedrine, skunk, laughing gas consignments at Lagos airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted various quantities of ephedrine, skunk and nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas concealed in packs of semovita and dry pepper being shipped to South Africa and Kenya through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said the drugs were being trafficked by members of transnational Drug Trafficking Organisations (DTO), some of whom were promptly arrested, their mansions raided and their luxury vehicles seized.

    Babafemi, in a statement yesterday, said through credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on August 25, intercepted a notorious drug trafficker, Suleiman Babatunde Oba, who is a member of a cartel distributing Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine and Ephedrine between Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Europe.

    According to the statement, Oba was arrested while attempting to board a Rwanda Air flight to South Africa with two boxes loaded with ephedrine sealed in Semovita packs.

    The recovered substance is a precursor chemical and active ingredient in the production of methamphetamine.

    Babafemi said Oba, who holds a South African passport, married to a South African lady and has lived there for over 20 years, identified Hakeem Babatunde Salami, who lives in Lagos and South Africa as the head of the drug ring.

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    The agency’s spokesman said a follow up raid in the house of Salami located at 75 Wosilatu Dawodu Street, Ijesha, Aguda area of Surulere, Lagos, last Monday, revealed that he had fled the country on the same day Suleiman was arrested.

    He said a white Toyota Venza car with registration number LSR410HT, a Mercedes Benz SUV marked LSD998HP, phones and vital documents needed for further investigation were recovered from the house.

    Babafemi said: “In August 2021, the agency had seized 25.60kg ephedrine from a trafficker, Arua Emmanuel Onwuka at the Lagos airport, a seizure that has also been traced to the same cartel whose identified members are currently on the run. An official of the airport, Godwin Shedrack (a.k.a Goddy) fingered as a member of the syndicate is also under investigation.

    “In the same vein, attempt by another syndicate to export 10.40kg skunk concealed with scent leaf and pepper, going to Nairobi, Kenya, was equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives attached to the NAHCO export shed of the airport on Saturday 26th August. 

    “A suspect, Ekechukwu Sixtus Ndubuisi, has already been arrested in connection with the seizure.

    “Another bid to export a consignment of 180 canisters of laughing gas to South Africa by a freight agent, Oyekola Gbenga Akeem, for a fee of N2, 000,000, was also frustrated by operatives who seized the cargo and arrested the suspect.

    “Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives on Friday 25th August succeeded in arresting a drug kingpin, Ngene Emmanuel Onyedikachi, who recruited the fake couple, Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi and Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum arrested for ingesting 1.822kg and 1.50kg of Cocaine respectively at the Lagos airport on 1st August while on their way to India. 

    “The kingpin was picked at his residence located at 28 Afolabi Brown Street, Akoka, Yaba, after an intensive surveillance that lasted 25 days.

    “During his interview, Onyedikachi confessed that the two suspects: Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi and Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum were introduced to him by another member of his syndicate, who he claimed he met at Zion Church in Cele area of Lagos. He explained that the drug was sourced from Guinea Conakry.

    “The suspect revealed that when he got information about the arrest of the fake couple, he threw away his old mobile phone along with the SIM cards to avoid being traced, adding that he became relaxed and refused to leave his house because the two couriers do not know his house since they have only met twice at different locations.

    “He said he was living in India before he returned to Nigeria in 2022 after the Indian authorities discovered that he was using an Ivory Coast International passport. A blue Acura Legend car was part of items recovered from his home during his arrest.

    “While operatives of the Lagos State Command of the agency on Monday 28th August, arrested a suspect, Peter Iwebema, at Ikorodu with 79 and a half bags of cannabis sativa, weighing 864.5kg, their counterparts at Tincan port command intercepted 27 parcels of Colorado, weighing 13.5kg. 

    “The seizure was made from a container, MSMU5664550 coming from Toronto via Montreal, Canada during a joint examination with men of Customs Service.

    “The synthetic substance was discovered concealed in a bag hidden in a Ford Edge SUV, which was part of three units of used vehicles and motor parts in the container.

    “In Sokoto, operatives on Tuesday 29th August arrested two male suspects: Nafiu Arzika, 30, and Jamilu Aminu, 35, with 330kg skunk, while another suspect, Ismaila Razak, 38, was nabbed with 34.5kg of same substance and 9.5 grams of methamphetamine on Saturday 2nd September at Olodo area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital…”