A major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking was achieved with the dismantling of a cartel led by siblings Kelechi Monday Nwaobasi, 49, and Chinwe Rose Nwaobasi, 50. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully carried out a coordinated operation on June 13th and 14th, 2024, in Aba, Abia State. This operation, which was the culmination of months of meticulous intelligence gathering, led to the seizure of 20.76 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine valued at over N4.1 billion. The significant bust occurred at 3B Boundary Avenue and a residence along Ohia Road, both known hideouts for the cartel.
The NDLEA’s Special Operation Unit targeted these locations based on detailed surveillance and intelligence reports. The successful operation underscores the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking networks within Nigeria. The siblings, now in custody, face serious charges that could lead to long-term imprisonment. This operation is a significant step in the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of illegal drugs, which has been a persistent challenge in various parts of the country.
NDLEA Uncovers Skuchies Factory in Ogun, Seizes Tramadol in Kano, and Destroys Cannabis in Edo, Ekiti
In a series of related operations, NDLEA operatives made significant strides in other states. In Lagos, a warehouse in the Comfort Oboh area of Kirikiri was raided, leading to the discovery of a large consignment of codeine-based syrup. The raid, carried out on June 10th, 2024, resulted in the arrest of four individuals – Kingsley Amanambu Obumneke, Emeka Emmanuel, Bornaventure Ugochukwu, and Martin Dike. The seizure included 82,000 bottles of codeine syrup worth over N600 million, a Toyota Tacuma truck, and two buses used for distribution. This bust highlights the pervasive issue of opioid distribution in the region.
Meanwhile, in Kano, the NDLEA intercepted another suspect, Ibrahim Abdulhamid, with 29,100 pills of tramadol and other opioids on June 12th, 2024. This interception was followed by the arrest of Yasir Rabi’u and Abubakar Ado, major distributors in Kano and Jigawa states, with 230,600 pills of tramadol on June 10th. Additionally, Hassan Abdullahi Ali was apprehended with 150 bottles of codeine syrup on June 11th in Kano. These arrests indicate a coordinated effort to dismantle drug distribution networks in Northern Nigeria.
In further developments, the NDLEA successfully destroyed 28,959 kilograms of cannabis found in forests in Edo and Ekiti states. These comprehensive actions across various states demonstrate the NDLEA’s robust strategy in addressing drug trafficking and distribution from multiple angles, significantly impacting the availability of these harmful substances across Nigeria.
NDLEA Strikes Big in Ogun and Edo States: Major Drug Seizures and Arrests
On Monday, June 10th, 2024 :: NDLEA operatives conducted a significant raid in the Ibese area of Ogun State, seizing 390kg of cannabis. During this early morning operation, three suspects were apprehended: Muhammad Sani, Nura Mohammad, and Samaila Rabe. This seizure represents a substantial disruption of local drug trafficking activities, underscoring the NDLEA’s commitment to curbing the spread of illicit substances in the region.
The NDLEA’s operations extended beyond the cannabis bust. On Wednesday, June 12th, officers uncovered a clandestine “skuchies” manufacturing facility in the Sabo area of Shagamu town, Ogun State. Seven individuals were arrested at the scene, including Kareem Jamiu, Oriyimi Ayo, and Bamidele Wasiu, among others. The raid yielded 387 liters of skuchies, 70 liters of industrial codeine, 25kg of cannabis, and various other drugs such as tramadol, rophynol, and diazepam. The seizure of equipment used in producing these substances highlights the NDLEA’s efforts to dismantle drug production networks.
Extensive Cannabis Farms Destroyed in Edo and Ekiti States
Continuing their offensive, NDLEA operatives targeted large-scale cannabis cultivation in Edo and Ekiti States. On Wednesday, June 12th, agents destroyed 10,534.78 kilograms of cannabis spread across 4.213912 hectares of farmland in the Uhen forest, Ovia North East council area of Edo State. The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects: Frank Ishoku, Clifford Ossai, Vanger Timothy, and John Peter Oluwaseyi. Additionally, 16kg of processed cannabis was recovered, ready for distribution.
In a parallel development, a collaborative effort between NDLEA operatives and other security personnel led to the destruction of 18,425kg of cannabis on 7.37 hectares of farmland in Ise Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday, June 14th. These coordinated efforts reflect the agency’s strategic approach to eradicating the source of cannabis supply, aiming to dismantle the cultivation infrastructure that feeds the drug market.
Nationwide Anti-Drug Operations and Sensitization Campaigns
The NDLEA’s rigorous anti-drug operations spanned multiple states, yielding significant arrests and seizures. In Abuja, two suspects were caught with 3,550 bottles of “Akuskura,” a new psychoactive substance mixture, during raids in Garki Area 10 and Dutse Suokale. On June 12th, along Otukpo-Enugu road, Benue State, Emmanuel Ogechi was intercepted with 11,200 tramadol pills. Concurrently, Anayo Onwe was arrested in Anambra State with 62.4kg of cannabis sativa, and 1kg of methamphetamine was seized from a fleeing suspect in Oraifite.
In other states, the NDLEA’s efforts remained steadfast. Muhammed Musa was detained with 33kg of cannabis in Kwara State, while Shokuro Adeola was nabbed with 11.5kg of the same substance along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Oyo State. These arrests are part of the NDLEA’s broader strategy to stifle drug trafficking routes and bring offenders to justice.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities nationwide. The agency held enlightenment lectures in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities, reaching diverse audiences. Educational programs were conducted for students and teachers in states like Oyo, Kogi, Kano, Osun, Niger, and Abia, emphasizing the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of drug-free lifestyles.
NDLEA Leadership Commends Efforts, Calls for Sustained Vigilance
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the dedication and success of the agency’s operatives across various commands. He praised the officers from Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Ekiti, Oyo, Kwara, Anambra, Benue, and the FCT for their impressive operational achievements.
General Marwa emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts. He urged NDLEA personnel to continue their relentless pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria, leveraging the successes of recent operations to build a stronger, more resilient enforcement framework. His commendations serve as a morale booster for the agency, reinforcing the critical role they play in safeguarding public health and safety.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
