Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an 80-year-old ex-convict and several other suspects during a series of coordinated raids across Edo, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, and Oyo states. The operations led to the recovery of tons of illicit substances, including high-potency cannabis strains and thousands of synthetic opioid pills.The Octogenarian RecidivistIn Akwa Ibom State, NDLEA officers apprehended 80-year-old Jeremiah Isaiah Nkanta on Saturday, January 10, 2025. Nkanta, who was previously sentenced to two years in prison for drug dealing in December 2022, was tracked to his residence in Mmanta-Abak village. Following credible intelligence, he was found in possession of 5.7 kilograms of “skunk,” a potent strain of cannabis.Innovative Concealment MethodsThe agency also uncovered a sophisticated smuggling tactic on the Oron-Ibaka road. On Friday, January 9, 2025, 37-year-old businessman Ani Onyebuchi Romans was intercepted while transporting full-body mannequins intended for his clothing business in Cameroon. Upon inspection, officers discovered the mannequins were stuffed with 5.3 kilograms of Tramadol. The suspect admitted to purchasing the opioids in Onitsha, Anambra State, for distribution abroad.Nationwide Crackdown and SeizuresThe enforcement drive extended across several other regions:Oyo State: In Ibadan, agents arrested Remi Bamidele (alias ‘Aluko the Mafia’) with over 10 kilograms of diverse cannabis strains, including “Canadian Loud” and “Colorado.” Two vehicles were seized from his residence. Other arrests in the capital yielded ₦1.3 million in cash and further drug recoveries.Edo State: A 30-year-old dispatch rider, Osagbovo Edigin, was nabbed in Benin City alongside two accomplices in connection with the distribution of “Canadian Loud.”Adamawa & Niger: In Yola, 30,950 capsules of Tramadol were recovered from the home of Ugwoke Chibueze following his arrest at the airport. In Niger State, 4,000 pills of high-dosage Tramadol (225mg) were seized from a suspect in Tafa LGA.Taraba: Yusuf Usman was arrested with 100 blocks of cannabis weighing 47 kilograms.Balanced EnforcementIn a statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA highlighted its ongoing “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) initiative. Alongside the arrests, the agency conducted sensitization lectures at schools and community centers in Jigawa, Kano, and Ebonyi states to reduce drug demand.Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, commended the officers for their vigilance. He noted that the agency’s success relies on a balanced approach to both drug supply reduction and community-based advocacy.
