By Joke Kujenya
IN A series of coordinated operations spanning various states, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have disclosed that the agency has made significant seizures, culminating in the arrest of multiple suspects and the confiscation of illicit substances within the last one week.
Among the apprehended individuals are Favour Peter, Esther Adukwu, Ochigbo Michael, Aliyu Lawal, Jama Obodo, Mrs. Theodora Ita, Godwin Okon Samuel, Sani Mohammed, Christopher Eze, Adamu Umar, Abdullahi A. Gimba, Julius Uduakhomu, Michael Sunday, Ismaila Ogun and Friday Abah.
According to the NDLEA, the first operation unfolded at Jabi part in Abuja, where the agency operatives intercepted a commercial bus transporting N3.2 million is counter cash.
The three suspects, Favour Peter, Esther Adukwu and Ochigbo Michael, were arrested following a follow-up operation triggered by the seizure of fake naira notes in Lokoja, Kogi state.
In another operation, NDLEA officers collaborated with personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard base, Lokoja, intercepting Aliyu Lawal along the Lokoja-Abuja-road and confiscating 620 blocks of cannabis weighing 310kg.
Additionally, 10 sacks of cannabis, weighing 98kg, were seized along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway from Jama Obodo.
Further south, in Cross River state, NDLEA operatives arrested Mrs. Theodora Ita for producing and selling a lethal new psychoactive substance known as ‘Combine.’
The substance, a mixture of different strains of cannabis and opioids soaked in raw gin, was seized along with 18 litres of the dangerous concoction in used paint drums.
Meanwhile, in Calabar, Godwin Okon Samuel was apprehended with 39.4kg of cannabis sativa.
In Kano, Sani Mohammed and Christopher Eze were arrested in the Sabon Gari area with 900,000 pills of opioids.
Meanwhile, in Imo state, NDLEA operatives intercepted a logistics truck and recovered 230 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 119kg hidden under household items.
The crackdown extended to Ekiti state, where a raid in the Ijesa Isu forest led to the seizure of 252 kilograms of cannabis.
Additionally, in Owan East, Edo State, four suspects were nabbed while loading 40kg of cannabis into the engine compartment of a gas truck.
NDLEA operations didn’t spare Ogun state, where Ismaila Ogun was arrested with 79kg of cannabis in Imeko, and Friday Abah was apprehended with 410kg of the same substance during a raid in the Itaogbolu forest, Akure North LGA, Ondo state.
Amidst these enforcement efforts, a press statement by the NDLEA Director Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, notes that the agency’s commands nationwide continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) using advocacy campaigns and engaging various stakeholders in the fight against illicit substance abuse.
Meanwhile, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NDLEA, keeps lauding the agency’s achievements in combating drug trafficking and abuse during a commissioning in Lagos state.
Marwa revealed that over the past 38 months, NDLEA had arrested 50,901 drug offenders, including 46 barons, with 9,034 convictions; adding that the agency also seized over 7, 361 tonnes of illicit substances, thereby sending a strong message to drug cartels.
He also said that the commissioning ceremony marked the unveiling of an operational facility donated by the British government, a gesture Marwa praised for bolstering NDLEA’s capacity in addressing substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
Addressing attendees, Marwa emphasized the significance of international collaboration in combating transnational organized crime, particularly in drug-related offenses, highlighting the pivotal role of the newly acquired facility in enhancing data analysis and strategic planning.
Despite these accomplishments, Marwa stressed that the battle against illicit drugs was far from over, urging renewed efforts and cooperation to secure a safer future.
British Deputy High Commission to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, reaffirmed the United Kingdom government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria and the NDLEA in combating the global drug trade.
Thereafter, in a public ceremony held in Badagry, Lagos, the NDLEA destroyed a total of 304,436 kilogrammes and 40,402 litres of illicit substances seized from parts of Lagos and Ogun states.
Reacting, Brig-Gen Marwa emphasized the importance of public support for ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse and trafficking non-stop.
He notes that the destroyed drugs included cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, which were all seized by his operatives across various formations in Lagos and Ogun states.
He acknowledged the contributions of local and international partners in achieving these feats by the NDLEA, and reaffirmed the collective responsibility in ensuring a safer society.
Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Chairman, Badagry West local government area, expressed satisfaction with NDLEA’s efforts and pledged continued collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs,
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