The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed that the narcotics were being transported to South Africa and Kenya by individuals associated with Transnational Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO). Subsequently, a number of these individuals were expeditiously apprehended and their assets confiscated.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media & Advocacy at the National Headquarters of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abuja.
According to Babafemi, the agency successfully apprehended a well-known drug trafficker named Suleiman Babatunde Oba on Friday. Oba is affiliated with a criminal organization involved in the distribution of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ephedrine across many countries including Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Europe. This interception was made possible through reliable intelligence sources.
As per the provided statement, Suleiman was apprehended during an endeavor to embark on a Rwanda Air aircraft to South Africa. He was found in possession of two containers containing ephedrine, which were concealed within semovita packages. The agency has identified ephedrine as a precursor chemical and a key component in the manufacturing process of methamphetamine.
The discovered items from Suleiman's residence consist of a white Toyota Venza vehicle bearing the registration number LSR 410 HT, as well as a Mercedes Benz SUV identified by the license plate LSD 998HP. Additionally, various mobile phones and essential documents that are crucial for the ongoing inquiry were also found.
In a similar vein, the Agency has reported the confiscation of 25.60kg of ephedrine from a trafficker named Arua Emmanuel Onwuka at the Lagos airport. This seizure has been linked to the aforementioned cartel, whose identified members are presently evading capture.
It is worth noting that an individual named Godwin Shedrack (also known as Goddy), who is an official at the airport, has been implicated as a member of this syndicate and is currently under investigation.
Similarly, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) declared that its personnel stationed at the NAHCO export shed of the airport successfully foiled an endeavor by a separate criminal organization to export 10.40kg of skunk, which was concealed with scent leaf and pepper. The illicit shipment was destined for Nairobi, Kenya, and a suspect named Ekechukwu Sixtus Ndubuisi was apprehended in relation to this confiscation.
The agency successfully thwarted another attempt to export a shipment of 180 canisters of nitrous oxide to South Africa by a freight agent named Oyekola Gbenga Akeem.
The agency's operatives apprehended the suspect and confiscated the cargo.
In the interim, the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) achieved the apprehension of a prominent drug trafficker, Ngene Emmanuel Onyedikachi.
It is alleged that Onyedikachi was responsible for recruiting the individuals posing as a couple, namely Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi and Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum. These individuals were subsequently arrested at the Lagos airport on 1st August for carrying 1.822kg and 1.50kg of Cocaine, respectively, as they were en route to India.
According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the apprehension of the suspected ringleader took place at his place of abode situated at 28 Afolabi Brown Street, Akoka, Yaba, following a thorough 25-day surveillance operation.
Based on the assertion, Onyedikachi acknowledged during his interview that the two individuals, Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi and Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum, were acquainted with him through an associate belonging to his criminal organization, whom he purportedly encountered at Zion Church in the Cele vicinity of Lagos. The individual provided an explanation that the substance was obtained from Guinea Conakry.
In the interim, the Lagos state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended an individual named Peter Iwebema in Ikorodu on Monday, 28th August. The suspect was found in possession of 79 and a half bags of cannabis sativa, with a total weight of 864.5kg. Additionally, the Tincan port command of the NDLEA intercepted 27 packets of Colorado, totaling 13.5kg.
According to the agency, the seizure occurred during a collaborative inspection conducted by Customs Service personnel. The container in question, identified as MSMU 5664550, originated from Toronto and was en route to Montreal, Canada. During the examination, it was revealed that a synthetic substance had been concealed within a bag, which was found hidden inside a Ford Edge SUV. This SUV was one of three used vehicles and motor parts contained within the shipment.
In Sokoto, the anti-narcotic agency reported the apprehension of two male individuals, namely Nafiu Arzika, aged 30, and Jamilu Aminu, aged 35. The suspects were found in possession of 330kg of skunk, a controlled substance. Additionally, another suspect named Ismaila Razak, aged 38, was arrested on 2nd September in the Olodo area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. Ismaila Razak was found in possession of 34.5kg of skunk and 9.5 grams of methamphetamine.
The NDLEA commands across several states and the Federal Capital Territory have significantly intensified their efforts in combating drug abuse through the implementation of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy programs. These campaigns are targeted towards educational institutions, places of worship, royal residences, and local communities, among other venues. As per the agency's report, the sensitization lectures were held at various locations including Holy Trinity Gospel Church in Ogbomoso and Jammatul Nasirul Islam mosque in Ilorin for Muslim faithful. Additionally, lectures were conducted for members of the Association of Hair Stylists in Ado Ekiti, leaders of the road transport union in Abeokuta, traders at Kwata market in Awka, pregnant women at the primary health care centre in Bonny, the Dekara district palace in Babana community in Borgu LGA, and Noorul Huda Islamiyya school in Kafin Maiyaki, among other venues.
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), expressed appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the agency's officers and personnel in various commands in their endeavors to reduce drug supply and demand. He urged them to continue their commitment and unwavering resolve in carrying out their duties.