NDLEA Seizes $4.8m, CFA57m Fake Currencies On Lokoja-Abuja Highway
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 4.9 million dollars and 57 million CFA suspected to be counterfeits on the Abuja-Lokoja Highway. The CFA, backed by the French treasury, is the legal tender in Francophone West and Central Africa and accepted in 14 countries. The Director, Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that the suspected counterfeit notes were seized from a commercial bus travelling from Lagos to Kano. “A search of the bus led to the seizure of the 4.8 million dollars and 57 million CFA suspected to be counterfeits,’’ he stated. Babafemi also celebrated the jailing of an acting district head in Sokoto, Alhaji Umar Mohammed (aka Dan Bala) for five-and-a-half years for dealing in drugs. A Federal High Court in Sokoto presided over by Justice Ahmad Mahmud sentenced the acting district head after the NDLEA preferred a four-count charge of drug dealing against him in October 2022. The NDLEA told the court that Mohammed was in possession of and dealing in 436.38kg of Indian hemp and 7kg of other psychotropic drugs. The court sentenced Mohammed to two years on each of the first two counts with an option of N1 million fine, and eight months on each of the third and fourth counts without an option of fine. On Oct. 11, NDLEA operatives stormed Orue Forest in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo where they arrested one Happy Akashili (37) and Solomon Uwesue (40) in a hut located inside an Indian hemp farm. Babafemi stated that the farm measured 2.4 hectares and was destroyed, adding that 92kg already processed skunk were also recovered there. He added that 49kg of skunk was also seized at Ogbeturu camp in the area. The NDLEA spokesman stated also that the agency had been advancing its advocacy on drug supply reduction with the War against Drug Abuse (WADA) in campaigns in schools, markets, worship centres and communities. Babafemi added that one of the flagship programmes of the advocacy was the WADA sensitisation lecture on drug use and mental Health for students of 15 secondary schools at the University of Ibadan. The sensitisation lecture was also delivered in schools in Badagry, Lagos State; in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State; in Awka; in Gombe; in Benue, Zamfara and in Kano.
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 Confiscates 685 Kg Illicit Drugs, Shuts Down 13 Drug Outlets in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a significant operation resulting in the seizure of 685.179 kg of illicit drugs and the dismantling of 13 illicit drug joints within Kaduna. Mr. Ibrahim Braji, the NDLEA State Commander, revealed on Sunday that these operations took place during the month of August. During this period, law enforcement authorities apprehended a total of 86 suspects, consisting of 83 males and three females. The confiscated drugs included 650.690 kg of Indian Hemp, 0.004 kg of Cocaine, 0.003 kg of Heroin, 0.197 kg of Methamphetamine, 9.336 kg of Tramadol, and 24.949 kg of Psychotropic substances. Braji specified that the 13 illicit drug outlets were located in various areas, including Tirkaniya, Kantin Kwari garage, Badarawa, Filin Minister, Mangarori, Kafanchan, Unguwar Gimbiya, Kauru, Birnin Yero, Narayi, Unguwar Gwari, Hayin Na’iya, and Hayin Dan Mani. In addition to the drug seizures, the NDLEA operatives also recovered 100 rounds of live ammunition, live bullets, one pistol marked 73.1×19, one locally made pistol, and 448 rounds of live ammunition of 7.69mm. Commander Braji emphasized that the fight against illicit drugs and drug consumption is a collective responsibility and urged the public to support their efforts in addressing this pressing issue. He encouraged individuals to provide timely information to enable proactive measures against drug-related offenses.
NDLEA seizes 514,420 pills of suspected hard drugs in 3 states, FCT
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives intercepted at least 514,420 pills of suspected hard drugs in Gombe, Adamawa, Ogun and other parts of the federation between August 21 and August 23. Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that NDLEA officers recovered an abandoned vehicle on Darazo Road in Gombe State containing 373,420 tramadol and diazepam pills on August 21. He added that operatives also recovered 60,000 pills of tramadol from a suspect travelling in a commercial Toyota Starlet car from Kalaa village to Mubi both in Adamawa on August 22. “Operatives raided the home of a drug dealer in Ibafo area of Ogun on August 23 and recovered 81,000 tablets of tramadol weighing 32.4kg. “In the FCT, operatives intercepted two consignments of suspected skunk with a gross weight of 1,242.1kg. “The first consignment of 665.1kgs was seized from a truck in Abuja on August 20, while the second one, weighing 577kg, was recovered during a stop-and-search operation on Lokoja- Abaji Expressway. “The consignment was concealed in an online shopping company’s goods delivery packs conveyed inside a containerised truck. The driver and his assistant were arrested,’’ he stated. Babafemi stated also that NDLEA operatives conducting stop-and-search operation on Jebba-Minna Road linking Kwara and Niger intercepted a commercial truck conveying goods from Lagos to Katsina on August 22. The truck had 37.5kg of suspected Indian hemp hidden among other items inside it, he added. The driver and his assistant were also arrested for investigation. “In Yobe, NDLEA operatives intercepted a vehicle on Potiskum (Yobe)-Gombe Road on August 23 “Three suspects in the vehicle were arrested with 133 blocks of suspected Indian hemp weighing 62kg,’’ Babafemi also stated.
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.
India-bound ‘couple’ excretes 184 wraps of cocaine – NDLEA
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) have arrested a fake couple, Kingsley and Roseline Ilonzeh for ingesting 184 wraps of cocaine. The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. He said that the suspected drug traffickers were purportedly going for medical treatment in India. Babafemi said that the drugs weighed 3.322Kg, while another 100 grammes of the drug was concealed in the woman’s private part. He said that the two suspects were intercepted at Screening Point 1, Terminal 1 of the international wing of the Lagos airport on Aug. 1, while attempting to board an Ethiopian airline flight to India. Babafemi further said that though their travel documents showed consistency in their names and depicted them as a couple, an NDLEA officer however, decided to subject them to a body scan. He said that the scan confirmed the couple ingested drugs as a result of which they were later placed on excretion observation at the agency’s facility. ”Their travel documents identify the man as Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi and the lady to be Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the intending passengers are not a couple but obtained the travel documents in the same surname to beat security checks at the airport. “The lady later gave her real name as Ngogbike Nkechi. During interview, she confessed that she was recruited in her Church in Aba, Abia where she lives. “The suspect, Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum (aka Ngogbike Nkechi) states further that she is a divorcee and that Kingsley, with whom she is travelling is not her husband but connected only for the purpose of the illicit drug business trip. “She said that Kingsley, her arranged husband brought the pellets of cocaine to ingest her in the hotel where they both lodged in separate rooms on July, 31, ” he said. The NDLEA spokesperson said that after their arrest, a thorough search conducted on her led to the discovery of a big size wrap of cocaine that weighed 100 grammes which she inserted into her private part. He said that the suspected drug trafficker confessed that she was promised $5,000 upon successful delivery of the drug in India. Babafemi said that in his own statement, Kingsley, who was into clothing business in Onitsha, Anambra claimed he was promised $2,000 after a successful delivery of the drug in India. “A further search of the agency’s crime data base reveals that Kingsley also obtained his travel documents with fake identity for the trip. “Indeed, it has been established that he was arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on March 19, 2022, for ingesting 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 2.243kgs upon his arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on board an Ethiopian airline flight. “His travel documents then contained his real name: Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian,” he said. He noted that after his arrest at the Abuja airport on March 19, 2022, with another suspect, Iro Elvis Uche, who also ingested 65 wraps of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.376kgs, Uwaezuoke was subsequently arraigned. Babafemi said that he was arraigned before Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court Abuja with charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2022. He said that the suspect was eventually granted bail by the court, pending the conclusion of his trial. ”He is still on court bail when he was arrested at the Lagos airport for a similar offence on August 1. “Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi (aka Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian) excreted a total of 82 wraps of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.822kgs in five excretions. “Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum (aka Ngogbike Nkechi) ingested 101 wraps in four excretions with a big size wrap of the substance recovered from her private part, all weighing 1.50kgs,” he said.
NDLEA busts 57,450 pills of Tramadol, Rohypnol, others in Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 57,450 pills of tramadol, Rohypnol, and Exol-5 along the Abaji-Abuja highway from a suspect, Mr Joseph Usman. A statement by the NDLEA spokesperson, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja, said that 4,082 bottles of codeine-based syrup were also recovered from the suspect, Joseph Usman. Babafemi said the suspect was arrested in a commercial bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Abuja on Friday. Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI), attached to courier companies in Lagos have intercepted various quantities of Dextromethorphan. Babafemi said that the drugs were mixed with heroin, Methamphetamine, Dimethyl Sulfone, and Cannabis and concealed in different objects bound for Europe. He said that 272 grams of dextromethorphan, mixed with heroin going to Greece were recovered from white neck beads, adding that 665 grams of cannabis being shipped to Hong Kong were hidden in bars of Dudu Osun black bathing soap. He added that 261 grams of Dimethyl Sulfone bound for New Zealand hidden in reels of weaving threads and 1.5kgs of Methamphetamine also heading to New Zealand were intercepted. “The drugs were neatly packed in an MP3 player after all the parts were removed and the substance stuffed as a replacement,” he said. Also, in Kano state, a woman and four men – Ladi Peter,47; Umar Salisu, 38; Ahmed Naheeb, 36; Ibrahim Umar, 42, and Musa Suleman, 43, have been arrested for drug related issues. Babafemi said that the suspects were intercepted in connection with the seizure of 977.7 kilograms of cannabis sativa recovered from them by NDLEA operatives. He added that they were arrested along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora on Friday and July 31. In the same vein, 2,445 kilograms of cannabis sativa were recovered from the warehouse of a fleeing suspect, Usman Nar at the Madinatu area of Jere LGA, Borno state on Saturday, August 5.
NDLEA intercepts UK-bound skunk, tramadol pills in women’s hair
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a consignment of 3.20kg skunk concealed in native black soap heading to the United Kingdom. The Director, Media and Advocacy (NDLEA), Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Babafemi said that the drugs were intercepted at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Lagos on Wednesday. He said that a freight agent involved in the attempt to export the illicit drug was arrested. Similarly, a bid to export 3,000 pills of Tramadol 225mg concealed inside women’s hair attachments to Monrovia, Liberia, by a cargo agent, through the MMIA was thwarted by NDLEA operatives. Babafemi said that the NDLEA operatives arrested the agent during the outward clearance of passengers at the departure gate of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport. Also, in Benue, a suspect was arrested during a routine stop and search of vehicles at the Vandeikya checkpoint with a total of 61,790 pills of tramadol on Thursday. Babafemi said that another suspect was nabbed at Otuo-Agor, Owan East LGA, Edo with 208kg cannabis hidden in his Toyota Camry car marked ABJ 117 MR. “No less than 235 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 23.5 litres and 1,500 pills of Tramadol and Swinol were recovered on Friday from a 35-year-old man, along Owerri- Onitsha expressway, Imo. “NDLEA operatives in Ondo state arrested two suspects with 30kg cannabis at B-Ali Junction. “10.4kg of the same substance were recovered from the home of a fleeing suspect at Oke Odowo, Idanre on June 6 when operatives raided some drug joints in the town,” he said. Meanwhile, in Kebbi, two middle-aged persons were arrested on Thursday at Goran Maiyaki, Gwandu LGA with 5.9kg of cannabis and 3,792 tablets of diazepam. Babafemi said that an 18-year-old man was nabbed on Friday along Mararaban Yauri-Kebbi road, with 6kg of cannabis and 658 tablets of diazepam. He added that a total of 115.9kg ofcannabis was recovered from a suspect at Araromi Oke Odo in Ife South LGA, Osun. He added that two suspects were nabbed at Gbokuta village in the same LGA on Monday.
NDLEA recovers 390kg illicit drugs in Kano, Kaduna, others, in 5 days
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recovered 390kg of illicit drugs in Kano, Kaduna, Borno and Oyo states in raids conducted between May 30 and June 3. Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that two suspects, Ma’aruf Rabiu and Abubakar Mustapha were arrested on May 30 on Zaria-Kano Road in Kano State. They were in possession of 260 blocks of Indian hemp weighing 39.4kg, he stated. He added that another suspect, Auwal Ibrahim was nabbed with 38kg of Indian hemp on May 31 on Kaduna-Abuja Road. “Also on May 31, a 35-year-old female suspect, Bilkisu Isiya, was arrested at Birnin Yero, Kaduna in possession of 5.6kg Indian hemp,’’ Babfemi stated. He stated also that one Abubakar Usman and Adamu Yusuf were arrested at Bargu village in Shani Local Government Area of Borno on June 3 with 165 blocks of skunk weighing 140.7kg. He added that their arrest was effected with the support of the military deep inside an insurgents’ environment. “A female suspect, Hauwa Ibrahim, 25, was also nabbed in Bargu village with 6.4kg of skunk. “Another suspect, Alhaji Abubakar, 27, was arrested at Njimtilo checkpoint, Borno with 4,200 ampoules of Pentazocine injection and different quantities of psychotropic D5 and exol-5 tablets. “A 30-year-old suspect, Iroko Wasiu was arrested at a drug joint at Sabo Aba-Owolowo on Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway on May 30 and 31.2kg of cannabis was recovered from him. “Two suspects, Deji Adelabu, 35, and Mutiu Salau, 37, were nabbed on May 31 in Sabo area on Oyo-Ogbomoso Road and at Awuro Dada area in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, respectively. “They had a combined weight of 8kg Indian hemp on them,’’ Babafemi stated.
NDLEA raids drug joints nationwide, arrests 534
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced a nationwide raid of drug joints ahead of the May 29 inauguration of a new government in the country. According to the Director, Media and Advocacy of the agency, Femi Babafemi, 534 drug suspects have been arrested during the operation, code-named Operation Mop Up. Babafemi said in a statement on Friday that the operation was to remove enablers of crime and violence in the form of illicit substances and those who deal in them. This, he said, was with a view to ensuring peaceful inauguration of new administrations at national and sub-national levels on May 29. “Not less than 534 suspects have been arrested in the first few days of the commencement of the operation. “However, tons of illicit drugs were recovered across the states and the Federal Capital Territory. “This includes cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, cannabis sativa and various new psychoactive substances among others. “Top on the list of the states with high arrests and seizures are Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Kaduna, Rivers, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Osun, Benue and Plateau,’’ he said. Babafemi quoted the Chairman, retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, as commending all officers and men involved in the exercise for their professionalism and adherence to standard operating procedure. Marwa said “I am impressed by the level of compliance with the directive to all our commands and formations. “Which is to dismantle all drug joints within their areas of responsibility, mop up all illicit substances in such locations and arrest all those culpable. “This will in no small measure take out of the equation, enablers of crime and violence. “This includes illicit drugs, their dealers and all those relying on mind-altering substances to disrupt the May 29 inauguration ceremonies across the states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said. The NDLEA boss charged them to continue with the offensive against drug cartels and traffickers “until the last gram of illicit drug is taken out of the streets and communities” across Nigeria.