Major Drug Busts in Nigeria Result in Multiple Arrests
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended two significant suspects in a wide-reaching crackdown on drug trafficking operations in Nigeria. A 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old physician are facing serious charges as authorities intensify their fight against illegal drug cartels nationwide.
Arrests of Senior Citizens Signal a Growing Challenge
In a recent operation, NDLEA Media and Advocacy Director, Femi Babafemi, announced the arrest of Mr. Friday Chigbu, a 93-year-old from Umuagbaiba, Abia, earlier this month. Investigators discovered 7.7 kilograms of skunk—a potent form of cannabis—during a search of his residence. Chigbu revealed that he had transitioned into the drug trade after working as a truck pusher and painter. He claims to have been a skunk user since 1959, before commercializing his habit.
International Drug Trafficking Investigation Unfolds
In an operation at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, authorities detained Ivorian national Gohouri Michael, 41, who attempted to smuggle 1.49 kilograms of cocaine concealed in 82 rolls. Michael, known as Anuwa Oninye Michael, was arrested during immigration checks on February 16 while preparing to board Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to Milan.
Collaboration Between Local and International Drug Networks
Further investigations revealed that Dr. Chudi Ofomata, a 69-year-old doctor, had instructed Michael regarding the drug trafficking operation. Following a coordinated effort, Ofomata was arrested on March 27 at his residence in Teachers Land Estate, Ogun. He was later transferred to Kano, where authorities seized 63 grams of promazepam and seven ampoules of promethazine injection from his possession.
Additional Drug Seizures Highlight Ongoing Threats
On April 7, operatives apprehended three suspects—Mr. Azeez Sanni, Mr. Olinka Oke, and Mr. Adekunle Adeyemi—in Sango Ota, uncovering 34 kilograms of skunk. Later in the month, Ayoka Akinwale, a 26-year-old, was found in possession of 56.2 kilograms of skunk in Imo.
Major Operations Disrupt Distribution Channels
In Niger, a couple, Abdullahi and Adama Umar, were arrested on April 9 after authorities found 118 kilograms of skunk in their home. Moreover, a significant interception in Borno revealed a trailer carrying 42,290 Rohypnol tablets, 82,700 milliliters of codeine syrup, and 10,000 milliliters of Pentazocine injection. The trailer’s owner, Eleje Ibeabuchi, was also arrested during subsequent investigations.
Further Enforcement Actions Across Nigeria
On April 7, operatives apprehended two individuals, Kingsley Nsofor and Opara Ifeanyi, while inspecting a luxury bus on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, recovering 15 kilograms of ‘Scottish Loud’ cannabis. Following that, police in Mushin intercepted a truck destined for Onitsha, seizing 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup and detaining suspects Adesunloye Dada and Chibuzor Chaim. In Abuja, a raid on the Tora Bora community resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the recovery of 11.516 kilograms of skunk.
Combatting Drug Abuse Through Advocacy and Enforcement
In a separate operation on April 11, NDLEA operatives in Edo apprehended five suspects after intercepting two trucks at Warake Road in Auchi, discovering 7,245 kilograms of processed skunk hidden among beer cartons. The agency continues to bolster its social advocacy efforts through the War on Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, as it seeks to address the pressing challenges posed by drug trafficking and abuse across the nation.
