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DEFENCE

NDLEA Bursts Hard Drugs Syndicate

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 31 suspects in Ondo State for being in possession of 276 kg of assorted illicit drugs.

On April 20, the agency’s operatives hunted down two Abuja-based partners who allegedly specialised in selling drugged cookies to school children and other inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory.



A statement by the agency’s media director, Mr Femi Babafemi, indicated that the suspected drug dealers were part of a syndicate involved in the production of cookies with Arizona, a highly psychoactive variant of cannabis; alcohol and Rohypnol, among other ingredients.

Four days later, it was the turn of daredevil narcotics couriers who used the statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, to conceal their illicit drugs in Lagos, to be taken out of business: the statue, as well as auto spare parts scheduled to be dispatched to Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were intercepted in a rather long haul involving 140 grammes of methamphetamine, 500 grammes of heroin, 3.

1 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed within spices, and a kilogramme of the same drug concealed within local herbs. Couriers are always wise in their own eye/

 Between January and April 2021, NDLEA arrested 109 suspected drug traffickers in various parts of Kwara State, seizing 48 grammes of cocaine, some 331.261 kilogrammes of assorted drugs and five grimes of swinol from suspects.

It emerged that Kwara actually has the highest prevalence rate of 13.0 per cent among states in the North Central. This week witnessed the interception of a container bearing 4,996,200 capsules of tramadol weighing 2,498.2 kilogrammes at the Onne port, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Previously, on May 16, there was a successful operation in Nyibango, Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State, during which a 42-year-old was arrested with 13 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 166kg, just as a 35-year-old suspect was nabbed with16.1kg of skunk at Ngurore, Yola South area of the state.

On the same day, a team of NDLEA operatives arrested one James Godspower with 36.5kg of cannabis sativa at Faloye, Ogbese, in Akure North area of Ondo State. The seizures are not fortuitous: they are the direct result of Brigadier-General Buba Marwa’s (Retd) appointment as NDLEA boss.

To say the very least, his appointment has been hallmarked by an upsurge in the arrest and detection of drug merchants. Hitherto, many a courier moved rather too freely across the country’s borders and even at airports, but no more seizures of banned drugs such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, etc, have become routine, and detention cells are teeming with felons. In the past, Nigeria was just a transit point for hard drugs.

 Very unfortunately, it is now a consuming nation, one of the worst in Sub-Saharan Africa. Surely, without the emplacement of drastic measures to curb the menace, the country’s future will simply be ruined.

It is beyond disturbing that the youth who constitute the largest percentage of Africa’s largest population are resorting to drugs to navigate the business of existence: poison is available even in candies.

In this regard, the NDLEA’s efforts are certainly worthy of applause. Apart from arresting drug traffickers, it is also heightening efforts in the area of public sensitization on the corrosive effects of hard drugs. With the level of insecurity in the country, the upsurge in drug abuse cannot be overlooked. Most of those who are into crime do so as a result of involvement in drugs. Nobody in his right senses would go out into the streets and start gunning people down at will. But precisely that is what Nigeria witnesses on a daily basis. With their brains buried in drugs, bandits, kidnappers, killer herdsmen and Boko Haram terrorists shed blood with reckless abandon.

Notably, NDLEA is taking the campaign to the doorsteps of state governments, various NGOs, and other relevant publics. The objective is to try as much as possible to discourage the younger generation from drugs.

Many lives have been destroyed as a result of drugs. Many are in psychiatric wards. Many have died. So many have lost their jobs and many have lost their homes. In that regard, it’s great news that Nigerians are seeing a renewed vigour in combating the drug epidemic. It is a welcome development. Nigerians can indeed declare without any prevarication that for the first time in a long while, the country has the right candidate manning such a strategic position as the NDLEA chairman’s office.

But, the NDLEA’s success story really cannot be any surprise given Marwa’s antecedents as a no-nonsense and supremely effective military administrator.

As Lagos Milad, Marwa was able to reduce crime to the barest minimum. He had come into Alausa at a time when the mega city was steeped in crime, a time when Lagos and crime seemed to be inseparable and most residents could barely sleep with two eyes closed. What did Marwa do? He introduced “Operation Sweep” and within the spate of a few months, he had dealt a huge blow to the bad guys.

DEFENCE

Police Nab 32 Suspects, Recover 10 Firearms, 43 Vehicles in September

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The Police Command in Lagos State says it apprehended 32 suspects and recovered 10 firearms, 43 vehicles and N2.5 million during various operations across the state in September.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police(CP), Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen on the command’s achievements for the month at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

Tijani said the command also impounded 43 vehicles during an early-morning enforcement operation on Monday against vehicles with covered number plates and unregistered vehicles, adding that further checks were ongoing.

He said the command arrested the suspects in connection with armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, stealing, breaking and entering, public disturbance and other violent crimes.

The CP said the command recovered 20 live ammunition and cartridges, 15 expended ammunition, two cutlasses, suspected criminal charms and other incriminating exhibits.

He added that the firearms comprised five pump-action guns and five locally made pistols.

Tijani said a 32-year-old suspect was arrested during a routine patrol along Oko Oba Road after some suspected hoodlums allegedly fled on sighting the police.

“A search of the suspect led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size pistol, radiator, car jack, engine block and a bag containing vehicle spare parts and tools,” he said.

The commissioner said a 29-year-old suspected armed robber was also arrested in connection with the alleged robbery of a man at Ghost and Spirit Lounge, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba.

“The suspect was arrested at the Toll Gate, Lagos-Ogun boundary, following investigation into the Sept. 26 incident, in which armed men allegedly robbed the victim of his gold wrist chain and rings.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover the remaining exhibits,” he said.

He said police also arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged conspiracy and stealing case involving a gang that reportedly travelled from Idi-Oro, Mushin, to the Chevron area of Lekki-Ajah.

According to him, the suspect led operatives to a hotel room in Idi-Oro, where N2.5 million and three mobile phones were recovered.

The CP said three suspected robbers were also arrested in Idi-Oro, while intelligence obtained during investigation led to the recovery of a pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges at Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

He added that another suspect was arrested in Olorunsogo, Mushin, where a locally made Beretta pistol and four live 9mm ammunition were recovered.

Tijani said the suspect allegedly confessed to membership of the Eiye Confraternity, while two other suspected cultists, aged 27 and 35, were arrested at Ganyigbo Beach Yard.

He said 12 suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity were also arrested in Imeke, Badagry, with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, two vehicle keys, a locally made cut-to-size gun and suspected criminal charms recovered.

According to him, seven of the suspects had been charged to court, while investigation continued to apprehend other members and recover additional arms.

The commissioner further disclosed that police arrested a 15-year-old suspected arms courier at Capa, Oshodi, while allegedly transporting firearms and ammunition concealed inside a loaf of bread.

He said a locally made Beretta pistol, four rounds of unexpended 9mm ammunition and a locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun were recovered from the suspect, while further investigation led to the recovery of an additional cut-to-size gun and 11 cartridges.

Tijani said the command also arrested a 53-year-old man in Ojo for alleged unlawful possession of a locally made pistol and six suspected hoodlums over alleged breaking, looting and destruction of property along Ejigbo–Idimu Road.

He said another suspect was arrested in Badagry for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and public disturbance, adding that two victims had so far made statements against him.

Tijani said the command would continue to protect police personnel lawfully carrying out their duties while holding accountable officers whose conduct fell below expected standards.

He commended the officers and operatives for the breakthroughs and appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and timely provision of credible information. (NAN)

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DEFENCE

Troops Foil Two Abduction Attempts, Rescue 10 Victims in Zamfara

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By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled two separate abduction attempts and rescued 10 people in operations across Zamfara State.

The military said the incidents occurred on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state.

In Maru, troops of Sector 2 responded to information that terrorists had abducted villagers at Kade Daba Village in Kanoma District.

The troops engaged the attackers and rescued three victims, while a subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of another victim, bringing the total rescued at the location to four.

In a separate incident along the Tsafe-Funtua road, troops conducting a picketing operation near Kwanoni heard sporadic gunshots and moved towards the area. They encountered terrorists withdrawing through surrounding high ground and engaged them, forcing the attackers to flee.

According to the military, the terrorists had set a Sharon vehicle ablaze while attempting to abduct its occupants. The occupants escaped before the vehicle was completely consumed by fire.

Six other people were rescued from another vehicle that reportedly lost control as a result of the gunfire. The vehicle was later towed away from the road to restore traffic flow.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their vigilance and swift response, saying their actions helped protect civilians along major roads and communities within the task force’s area of responsibility.

The commander also reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustained operations against terrorists in the North West and urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to security agencies through official channels.

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DEFENCE

COAS Operationalises 28 Armoured Brigade in Kebbi, Assures Residents of Enhanced Security

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The Nigerian Army has operationalised 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and protect vulnerable communities across Kebbi State.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the deployment was part of the Army’s strategy to optimise its force structure, expand its operational presence, strengthen command and control, and improve response times to security threats across the North-West.

Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the new formation provides effective fire support and contributes to ongoing security operations within the division’s area of responsibility.

Koughna said the deployment was particularly aimed at addressing threats posed by criminal elements and other security challenges in Kebbi State.

He urged troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and tactical focus while adhering strictly to the Rules of Engagement and protecting law-abiding citizens in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

The GOC also stressed the importance of cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders, noting that sustained peace would require effective coordination and synergy.

During the visit, Koughna commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack. He assured the community of an increased military presence to enhance the safety of residents.

The residents expressed appreciation for the Army’s continued efforts to improve security in Jandutse and across Kebbi State.

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