NDLEA Raids Snake-Guarded Shrine in Edo State, Arrests Two Suspects

In a dramatic operation, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raided a shrine guarded by a large black snake in the Igor community of Benin City, Edo State. The shrine was reportedly used to store illicit drugs, concealed in a specially constructed hole within a wall covered with wallpapers and fetish objects. The operation, conducted on June 18, 2024, led to the discovery of various quantities of illicit substances, including methamphetamine and several potent strains of cannabis such as Loud, Colorado, and Arizona, totaling 8.743 kilograms.

The NDLEA operatives successfully demobilized the snake guarding the shrine, allowing them to access the hidden drugs. During the raid, two women, Sonia Chinonso Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani, were arrested. The operation highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by drug traffickers and the ongoing efforts of the NDLEA to curb the illegal drug trade in Nigeria.

Massive Drug Consignment Intercepted in Lagos

In a separate operation, NDLEA officers in Lagos intercepted a consignment of 8.2 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in imported chocolate packs. The drugs, hidden in Dunkin’ turtle love chocolate wraps and placed inside the casings of three loudspeakers, were discovered at a motor park in the Mazamaza area of Ojo. The consignment was intended for transportation to Owerri, Imo State.

The 39-year-old suspect, Michael Odiomume, was arrested at the motor park on June 19, 2024. Methamphetamine, known for its high addictive potential and severe health impacts, is a significant concern for law enforcement agencies. This interception underscores the NDLEA’s vigilance and the elaborate measures traffickers take to evade detection.

Arrests and Seizures Across Multiple Locations

The NDLEA’s operations extended beyond Edo and Lagos states, with significant arrests and drug seizures occurring in other locations. On June 22, 2024, two suspects, Obi Ferguson, 45, and Ernest Abanum, 46, were apprehended in the Usen forest in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State. During this raid, NDLEA operatives recovered 209 kilograms of cannabis and a motorcycle, further disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs in the region.

In Abuja, a 76-year-old grandfather was nabbed with a staggering 340.8 kilograms of drugs, showcasing the widespread nature of drug trafficking networks across Nigeria. These arrests and seizures reflect the NDLEA’s ongoing commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations and addressing the drug crisis in the country.

The series of successful operations by the NDLEA across different states highlights the agency’s dedication and effectiveness in combating drug trafficking. These efforts are crucial in safeguarding public health and safety, as well as in upholding the rule of law.

Major Drug Interception in Abuja

On Tuesday, June 18th, operatives in Abuja intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pickup vehicle at Kiyi village in the Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The vehicle, outfitted with amber lights and a fake registration number posing as a security agency, was found to be loaded with 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing a substantial 340.8kg. The illegal consignment, sourced from Uzeba in Edo State, represents a significant seizure in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

The operation also led to the arrest of a 76-year-old grandfather, Mr. Francis Omofa, who was linked to the consignment. Mr. Omofa confessed to having been involved in the illicit drug business for a decade, shedding light on the persistent and pervasive nature of drug trafficking networks. His arrest underscores the crucial need for continued vigilance and stringent measures to dismantle these networks and curtail the supply of illicit substances.

WADA Sensitization Activities Across Nigeria

Simultaneously, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities across Nigeria. Over the past week, commands and formations of the Agency have conducted numerous educational and advocacy events in various institutions and communities. These efforts aim to raise awareness and educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of a drug-free society.

In Anambra, a WADA enlightenment lecture was held for students and teachers of St. Peters College, Nibo. Similar sessions took place at Apostolic Grammar School in Ilesa, Osun State, and Immanuel Baptist High School in Oyo Town, Oyo State. In Benue State, students and staff of the Federal Government Science and Technical College, Otukpa, also participated in WADA programs. Additionally, a WADA advocacy lecture was delivered to Muslim faithful during their Juma’at prayer in Umuahia, Abia State, and the state Command of NDLEA in Enugu paid an advocacy visit to the First Lady, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah.

Commendation and Continued Efforts by NDLEA

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, has commended the officers and men of the Edo, Lagos, and FCT Commands for their commendable efforts in balancing drug supply reduction with drug demand reduction. This balanced approach is crucial in ensuring both immediate and long-term successes in the fight against drug abuse.

Brig. Gen. Marwa emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum in the ongoing offensive against drug cartels. He urged the officers to continue intensifying their efforts, particularly through the WADA social advocacy campaign, to achieve a drug-free Nigeria. The commendation and encouragement from the NDLEA leadership serve as a morale booster for the operatives, reinforcing their commitment to eradicating the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking in the country.