NDLEA intercepts 942 explosives en-route Zamfara, recovers 314,020 pills of tramadol

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a commercial vehicle loaded with 942 explosives along Kaduna-Zaria expressway. The Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja said the vehicle was coming from Nasarawa and heading to Zamfara. Babafemi said the explosives were concealed in a sack and the subsequent arrest of a 30-year-old suspect, Nura Muhammad. He said the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has directed that the suspect and exhibits be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further action. Meanwhile, five members of a syndicate led by one Aminu Musa were arrested on Wednesday, April 30, by NDLEA operatives at Dangoro market, Kano with 50 blocks of skunk weighing 21.6kg recovered from them. Also, in Edo state, operatives acting on intelligence on Thursday, May 1, intercepted at Uromi, Esan North-East, a white Toyota bus conveying assorted opioids from Onitsha to Auchi. “Recovered from the vehicle include: 314,020 pills of tramadol, rophynol, diazepam, exol5; 638 bottles of codeine syrup and 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection. “A suspect Dare Adeyemo was taken into custody,” Babafemi said. Similarly, a Mazda commercial bus marked XA343TSE was intercepted at Agu-Awka junction, Awka, Anambra by NDLEA operatives on Wednesday. Also, Babafemi said that a total of 50,400 capsules of tramadol, 500 tablets of co-codamol and 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection were recovered while a suspect Chinedu Eneh was arrested. In Niger state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Kontagora -Mokwa road on Saturday intercepted a Mitsubishi canter truck marked RBH 104 ZY. “A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 5,500 capsules of tramadol and 2,300 ampoules of pentazocine injection as well as the arrest of a suspect Yusuf Abubakar, 30”. Meanwhile, Babafemi said that after 10 months of painstaking investigation, NDLEA operatives had arrested a wanted drug kingpin, a 52-year-old Managing Director of Ovidaq International Ltd, Dominic Chiegozie Obijiaku. He said that the suspect was arrested over his involvement in the importation of a consignment of 2,616,060 pills of tramadol 225mg intercepted by NDLEA at Apapa seaport in Lagos. “A follow-up operation at his house in Lekki led to the seizure of 51 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 34grams,” Babafemi said.

Zamfara Bombing: Gov Lawal Commends NAF

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has praised the Nigerian Air Force for their renewed efforts in combating bandits in the state. The governor gave the commendation in a statement in Gusau on Sunday by Sulaiman Idris, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity. Lawal revealed that the Nigerian Air Force had carried out successful airstrikes over the weekend. The strikes targeted bandits who were attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun Local Government Areas of the state. Lawal, however, expressed his deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties who were affected by the airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi LGA. READ ALSO: El Rufai Visits Buhari The unfortunately incident included members of the local vigilante group who were mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA. The governor commended the precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas. The governor said the strikes had significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits. He said they had also demonstrated the Nigeria Air Force’s commitment to protecting civilians and safeguarding life and property. “As a responsible government, the Zamfara State Government remains committed to sustaining the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities. “The recent success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies, which have yielded positive results,” he said. READ ALSO: Kano Emirate Tussle: Federal Agents Sack Sanusi’s Guards Lawal reaffirmed commitment to providing necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state. According to him, this includes enhancing intelligence sharing, providing logistics, and strengthening community engagement. He noted that, unfortunately, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives. “We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah. “The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families,” he said.  The governor called on the people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel. “Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara,” he said.

Troops Launch Major Assault on Bello Turji’s Hideout in Zamfara, Eliminate Notorious Terrorists

Troops from the 1 Brigade, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, stormed the camp of the notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in Zamfara State.  This operation, conducted on January 4, 2025, marks a decisive effort in the fight against insurgency, following the military’s continuous pursuit of Turji and his associates. According to a statement from the Brigade’s spokesman, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar, the operation targeted not only Turji’s hideout but also other known terrorist camps across the region.  The Army confirmed that Turji, one of the most wanted terrorist leaders in the area, is now living in hiding, with his fighters being systematically neutralized by the forces. The operation was part of a broader strategic initiative aimed at eradicating terrorist cells in the state.  During a fierce engagement with the militants, the troops successfully neutralized Sani Rusu, a notorious terrorist kingpin, in Bamamu Village, located in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.  The elimination of Rusu, a key figure in the insurgent network, is considered a significant blow to the operations of the terrorists in the region. In addition to the ground assault, intelligence-driven operations have continued to disrupt terrorist activities. On the same day of the encounter, troops launched an ambush operation at Kwanar Jollof in Shinkafi Local Government Area, leading to the neutralization of several terrorists, with others sustaining fatal injuries.  The troops also seized vital equipment during the operation, including one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, several rounds of ammunition, and three motorcycles. As part of the ongoing offensive, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out air strikes in late December 2024, targeting terrorist forces converging in the Fakai and Kware areas of Shinkafi Local Government Area.  These airstrikes were instrumental in weakening the terrorist strongholds in the region and further complicating their movements. Military authorities have made it clear that the relentless pursuit of terrorist leaders like Bello Turji will continue until peace is restored to the affected areas.

Government Raises Alarm As Bello Turji’s Attacks Escalate in Sokoto and Zamfara

Many informed analysts across the globe that are well aware of the prowess and gallantry of the Nigerian army at war will marvel at how ragtag militias under the leadership of semi-literate individual like Bello Turji would be creating horrors for villagers within Nigeria. It is shocking therefore, that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, will step up his violent campaign in Sokoto, launching attacks across the Zamfara-Sokoto border and remain elusive.  Former Governor of Sokoto, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has called for immediate government intervention, warning that Turji’s actions are wreaking havoc and disrupting local life.  READ ALSO: IPOB Opposes Ruga in South East, Warns Against Cattle Settlements Recent reports reveal that Turji, angered by the detention of his relatives by security forces, had demanded their release by January 1, 2025.  Failing to meet this ultimatum, he and his militia have launched a series of brutal assaults, particularly in Shinkafi Local Government Area, forcing hundreds to flee. Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara has firmly stated that his administration is not seeking peace talks with the bandits, instead focusing on strengthening support for military and local security forces to regain control of the state. Previously, on Christmas Day, Turji had threatened to start the new year with a violent rampage, including kidnappings and killings, targeting Shinkafi and its neighboring communities.  Following through on his threats, bandits abducted passengers from Gusau, setting their vehicle ablaze and taking the victims into the wilderness.