Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made significant strides in their fight against drug trafficking with recent operations leading to multiple arrests and seizures across Nigeria.
Raids and Arrests in Edo State
In Edo State, NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided a shrine in the Igor community, Benin City, used for storing illicit drugs. The raid revealed a specially constructed storage hole hidden behind wallpapers and adorned with fetish objects. Among the seized substances were methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado, and Arizona, all potent strains of cannabis, totaling 8.743 kilograms. Two women, Sonia Chinonso Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani, were arrested during the operation on June 18, 2024, after the demobilization of a large black snake guarding the shrine.
Further Arrests and Seizures in Edo
In another operation on June 22, NDLEA operatives arrested Obi Ferguson, 45, and Ernest Abanum, 46, in the Usen forest, Ovia South West LGA. The raid resulted in the recovery of 209 kilograms of cannabis and a motorcycle.
Seizures in Lagos
In Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted a consignment of 8.2 kilograms of methamphetamine at a motor park in Mazamaza, Ojo. The illicit substance, also known as ice or crystal meth, was cleverly concealed in Dunkin’ turtle love chocolate wraps and loudspeaker casings. Michael Odiomume, 39, was arrested on June 19 while attempting to send the consignment to Owerri, Imo State.
Major Bust in Abuja
A significant bust occurred in Abuja on June 18 when NDLEA operatives intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pickup with amber lights and a fake security agency registration number in Kiyi village, Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The vehicle contained 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 340.8 kilograms. The consignment was traced back to Francis Omofa, a 76-year-old grandfather who confessed to being involved in the illicit drug business for a decade.
NDLEA’s Continued Efforts
The NDLEA, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), continues its dual approach of drug supply reduction and demand reduction through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. Recent WADA activities include enlightenment lectures and advocacy in various schools, worship centers, and communities across Nigeria. These efforts aim to educate and sensitize the public on the dangers of drug abuse.
Commendation and Ongoing Actions
Brig. Gen. Marwa commended the efforts of the officers in Edo, Lagos, and the FCT for their recent successes. He urged them to maintain their aggressive stance against drug cartels and continue intensifying their social advocacy campaigns.
These coordinated efforts by the NDLEA highlight the agency’s relentless pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria, demonstrating significant progress in disrupting drug trafficking operations and promoting public awareness and education.
