The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in curbing the influx of illicit substances in Nigeria, intercepting over two tons of banned drugs in a series of successful operations across seven states within a week.
Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for NDLEA, disclosed that the agency’s operatives carried out relentless raids and crackdowns, leading to substantial seizures in Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Anambra, Ondo, and Kogi.
In one of the operations, NDLEA operatives stormed a warehouse at Obi Camp in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo, where they unearthed 338kg of Indian hemp concealed in sacks of charcoal. This decisive raid was a testament to the agency’s unwavering commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks.
Furthermore, the agency’s relentless efforts were evident as they also raided Ikhin Forest in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo, resulting in the seizure of an additional 235kg of the same psychoactive substance. The apprehension of suspect Onah Ikechukwu (32) at Jattu in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo marked a significant breakthrough, leading to the confiscation of 11,690 capsules of tramadol, 295 bottles of codeine syrup, and various quantities of Molly, Indian hemp, and Methamphetamine.
The extensive operations extended to Lagos, where NDLEA operatives successfully seized 40,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 440,000 pills of tramadol at Enu-Owa Street, Lagos Island. The resilience of the operatives culminated in the recovery of 135,600 capsules of tramadol and 950gm of Indian hemp from two suspects in Nkpor, Akuzor, and Ose-Ogbaijo, Onitsha – Afamefuna Ibekwe (37) and Sunday Onweh (41) respectively.
Mr. Babafemi further iterated that 37,360 pills of different psychoactive drugs and 250 bottles of codeine syrup were intercepted from Muhammed Khamis (22) on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Expressway. This successful operation foiled the illegal transportation of drugs from Onitsha, Anambra to Abuja.
The agency’s unwavering efforts did not stop there, as NDLEA operatives in Ekiti seized 288kg of Indian hemp at Odo-Owa Forest in Ijero Local Government Area of the state. Additionally, a further 116kg of Indian hemp were seized from suspect Chinagoram Obaru (24) who was apprehended at Iju Forest.
In a remarkable display of vigilance, 859kg of Indian hemp concealed among bags of sugar in a truck destined for Mokwa, Niger state was uncovered. Notably, the consignment was loaded at Ogbese in Ondo State and camouflaged among bags of cement in a truck before being trans-loaded into another articulated vehicle in Ogun.
The relentless commitment of NDLEA operatives in Ogun led to the arrest of two suspects – Adamu Ibrahim and Nura Sani at Ileke trailer garage, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, further reinforcing the agency’s determination to dismantle drug smuggling networks.
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of NDLEA, commended the officers and men for their unwavering dedication and exceptional performance in the seizures and arrests. He urged them to sustain their vigilance, especially with the impending Yuletide season, emphasizing the heightened desperation of criminal networks to exploit this period for illicit activities.
This outstanding achievement by the NDLEA serves as a beacon of hope in the continuous fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse in Nigeria. The agency’s unyielding resolve to safeguard the nation from the adverse effects of illicit substances underscores its pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of the citizens.
