NDLEA Arrests 2 Fugitive Drug Kingpins, Nabs 2 Others For Swallowing 175 Heroin Wraps

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully detained two wanted leaders of transnational criminal organizations, while also capturing two additional individuals who ingested a combined total of 175 wraps of heroin. This achievement follows weeks of intelligence-driven operations both within Nigeria and abroad. According to a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Mr. Femi Babafemi in Abuja on Sunday, the apprehension of these suspected drug lords occurred in conjunction with the interception of cocaine and heroin consignments. These drugs, concealed within the bodies of two traffickers destined for Paris, France, and Doha, Qatar, were seized by NDLEA officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Furthermore, operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, managed to detain Hakeem Salami on October 10. Salami is the ringleader of the “Tajudeen Babatunde Abioye Transnational Criminal Organization,” which deals in multiple narcotics, including Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Ephedrine, trafficking them between Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Europe. Salami had fled to South Africa after one of his syndicate members, Suleiman Oba, was arrested at the Lagos airport on August 25 for attempting to export 25.10 kgs of ephedrine to South Africa. Salami was eventually located and apprehended through collaboration with South African authorities and other intelligence sources. Some of his luxury vehicles were confiscated, and his residence in Surulere, Lagos, was sealed. Other members of the cartel already in custody include Suleiman and Godwin Edet Mathew. In a statement, Salami claimed to have previously engaged in the importation of building materials from China to Nigeria and had sold gold in South Africa before venturing into the illegal drug trade about two years ago. Additionally, the head of another cartel, Ikechukwu Okafor (known as Jantu), and his wife, Ifeyinwa Okafor, were apprehended on October 5 when NDLEA operatives raided their hideout in the Okota area of Lagos. During the operation, 27.566 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a blue box and two sacks, intended for export to Europe and Asia, were seized. Their Lexus RX350 with the registration ABJ 512 AY was also impounded during the operation. The arrests followed several weeks of intelligence gathering about the criminal network. At the Abuja airport, on October 6, operatives arrested a suspected drug trafficker, Nwofor Ejiogu, 45, during the outward clearance of a Qatar Airways flight to Doha. After a body scan revealed he had ingested cocaine, he was placed under observation, during which he excreted 75 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.653 kgs. At the time of his arrest, Nwofor offered to bribe an NDLEA officer with $3,000 in an attempt to secure his release. On October 7, another trafficker, Nwufo Charles, 45, was arrested while attempting to board a Lufthansa Airlines flight to Paris, France via Frankfurt, Germany. After being scanned and taken into a recovery room, he excreted 96 wraps of heroin he had ingested, with a total weight of 1.413 kgs.

NDLEA nabs 84 suspects, seizes 451.976kg illicit substances in Kaduna

In a significant operation, the Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended 84 suspects and confiscated a total of 451.976kg of illicit drugs within the region. The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Ibrahim Braji, made this announcement in Kaduna, revealing that these arrests and seizures occurred during the month of July. During this period, the command also achieved six convictions of suspects involved in illicit drug activities. The range of seized substances encompasses a variety of illegal drugs, including Indian Hemp, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Tramadol, and other Psychotropic substances. The overall combined weight of the confiscated drugs during this review period is reported to be 451.976kg. Moreover, the vigilant operatives of NDLEA discovered 90 rounds of live ammunition, live bullets of 7.62mm calibers, and a newly identified Jojef pump-action gun with the registration number 23-0174. The NDLEA has also been resolute in their efforts to eradicate the presence of illicit drug joints across the state. A commendable feat of dismantling 18 such establishments has been accomplished during the month under review. These locations include Kantin Agah, Hayin Dan-mani, Mando, Anguwan Dosa, Mararabar Rido, Tukur-Tukur, and Sabon Gari. Additional locations that were addressed include Palladan, Unguwar Doki, Mekera, Rigasa, Dan Daura, Karji, Ghana road, Television, Unguwar Ma’azu, Kudenden, and Jushi. Mr. Ibrahim Braji took the opportunity to make an appeal to parents, urging them to maintain vigilance over their children’s activities and associates. He emphasized the importance of knowing the company their children keep to prevent them from getting involved in illegal activities. Furthermore, Braji issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in the unlawful drug trade. He urged them to seek lawful means of livelihood and emphasized that the NDLEA remains committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who persist in illicit activities, ensuring that they face the full force of the law. “Grand total weight of drug seized within the period under review is 451.976kg. The commander also disclosed that its operatives also recovered 90 rounds of live ammunition; Live bullets 7.62mm calibres and new Jojef pump action gun with registration number 23-0174. “Within the month under review, 18 illicit drug joints have been dismantled across the state which included Kantin Agah, Hayin Dan-mani, Mando, Anguwan Dosa, Mararabar Rido, Tukur-Tukur and Sabon Gari. Others are Palladan, Unguwar Doki, Mekera, Rigasa, Dan Daura, Karji, Ghana road, Television, Unguwar Ma’azu,  Kudenden and Jushi. Braji appealed to parents to watch over their children and know the kind of friends they associated with at all times. He warned illegal drug dealers to look for better livelihood, adding that if they refused, the agency would go after them and ensure they faced full wrath of law.