In a sweeping series of operations across multiple states, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded significant successes, seizing millions of opioid pills and thousands of kilograms of cannabis, while several high-profile suspects were arrested.
The agency's Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, detailed the breakthroughs in a statement issued on Sunday. The operations, which took place over the past week, highlight a major offensive against drug trafficking networks.
Notorious Dealer Escapes, Associate Nabbed in Adamawa
A key incident involved a raid on August 22nd at the Adamawa State home of a notorious drug dealer, Idris Garba. Acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives moved in, but Garba managed to escape by scaling his fence. However, his associate, 55-year-old Boniface Nnaji, was arrested in the Rumde Baru area while attempting to flee.
A substantial seizure was made at Garba's premises, including:
· A black Toyota Tundra jeep (FST-885-CZ), used to transport the drugs.
· 354,480 pills of tramadol (225mg and 250mg).
· A Toyota Yaris car (DSA 776 AA).
Nationwide Interdictions and Arrests
The NDLEA's efforts extended across the country, resulting in numerous interdictions:
· Kogi State: On August 20th, suspect Neche Okonkwo was arrested at the Idah waterside with 5,000 capsules of tramadol and hundreds of ampoules of pentazocine and diazepam injections after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha.
· Kano State: A major crackdown on August 19th led to multiple arrests and seizures, including 5,850 capsules of pregabalin, 452,070 opioid pills from a suspect's home, 140 litres of codeine syrup, and 7,000 capsules of tramadol in a separate operation.
· Kwara State: Operatives intercepted over 2,289 kilograms of cannabis (skunk) in three separate truck seizures at Ajase-Ipo, arresting several suspects.
· Edo, Taraba, Delta, and Ondo States: The NDLEA, often in collaboration with other security agencies, destroyed massive cannabis plantations and warehouses. Operations led to the destruction of over 47,000 kilograms of skunk across numerous hectares of farmland and the arrest of suspects, including a 54-year-old woman, Fodo Stella Sunday.
· Federal Capital Territory (FCT): In Abuja, two dispatch riders, Garba Sule and Isaac Augustine, were arrested for distributing illicit substances, including pentazocine injections and skunk.
Continued Advocacy Efforts
Alongside these enforcement actions, NDLEA commands nationwide continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs. These initiatives included educational lectures at schools and mosques in Katsina and Kano States, as well as advocacy visits to the Governor of Abia State and the traditional ruler (Andoma) of Doma in Nasarawa State.
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