NDLEA Busts Major Drug Networks Nationwide, Arrests 93-Year-Old Suspect and Medical Doctor
Oru Leonard
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have intensified nationwide crackdowns on drug trafficking syndicates, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor, alongside multiple large-scale drug seizures across the country.
In Abia State, NDLEA officers arrested a 93-year-old suspect, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area. A search of his home yielded 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. The suspect reportedly admitted to long-term use of the substance before venturing into its distribution.
In a separate operation, efforts to dismantle an international drug trafficking network led to the arrest of an Ivorian national at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. He was found with 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms while attempting to board a flight to Milan. Further investigations revealed the involvement of a Nigeria-based medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, who was later apprehended in Ogun State. Authorities recovered controlled substances, including promazepam and promethazine injections, from his residence.
Across other states, NDLEA operatives recorded significant seizures and arrests. In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended with 34 kilograms of skunk in Sango Ota. In Imo State, a female suspect was arrested along the Onitsha-Owerri road with 56.2 kilograms of the same substance.
In Niger State, a couple was arrested after 118 kilograms of skunk were discovered in their home. Meanwhile, in Borno State, NDLEA officers intercepted a trailer conveying illicit pharmaceuticals, including thousands of Rohypnol tablets and large volumes of codeine syrup and pentazocine injections. The owner of the consignment was subsequently arrested.
Operations in Lagos also yielded notable results, including the interception of a commercial bus transporting 15 kilograms of a high-grade cannabis strain concealed within its compartments. Another raid in the Mushin area led to the seizure of 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup and the arrest of two suspects.
In the Federal Capital Territory, a raid on a notorious drug hub resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of over 11 kilograms of skunk.
One of the largest seizures occurred in Edo State, where NDLEA operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a combined total of 7,245 kilograms of processed cannabis concealed among cartons of beer. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment, which was reportedly en route to Abuja.
Beyond enforcement actions, the Agency sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), sensitization campaign nationwide, engaging students, transport workers, and community groups in awareness programmes.
Commending officers across multiple state commands for their coordinated efforts, the NDLEA leadership reaffirmed its commitment to balancing drug supply reduction with demand reduction strategies in the ongoing fight against illicit drug abuse and trafficking.
