The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, arresting a 93-year-old man, a 69-year-old medical doctor, and several other suspects in coordinated operations across multiple states.
In Abia State, operatives arrested 93-year-old Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area, where 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, were recovered. The nonagenarian reportedly confessed to long-term use of the substance dating back to 1959 and said he ventured into drug trafficking over a year ago.
In a separate operation, NDLEA uncovered an international drug trafficking network leading to the arrest of an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. He was found with 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49kg while attempting to board a flight to Milan via Addis Ababa. Investigations later led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State, identified as the alleged mastermind coordinating the operation. Recovered from him were quantities of promazepam and promethazine injection.
Further operations across the country led to multiple arrests and seizures. In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended with 34 kilograms of skunk at Sango Ota, while in Imo State, a 26-year-old woman was caught with 56.2 kilograms of the same substance along the Onitsha-Owerri road.
In Niger State, a couple was arrested after NDLEA operatives discovered 118 kilograms of skunk hidden in their home in Lapai Local Government Area. Meanwhile, in Borno State, officers intercepted a trailer carrying large quantities of illicit drugs, including 42,290 tablets of Rohypnol and over 82,000 millilitres of codeine syrup, leading to the arrest of the consignment owner.
Lagos operations also yielded significant results, with the interception of a commercial bus along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway carrying 15 kilograms of cannabis concealed in its compartment. Another raid in Mushin led to the seizure of 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup and the arrest of two suspects.
In the Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA operatives raided a notorious drug hub in Abuja, arresting eight individuals and recovering over 11 kilograms of skunk.
One of the largest seizures occurred in Edo State, where 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, the agency sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaigns nationwide, targeting schools, transport workers, and community groups to curb drug demand.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers across affected commands for their efforts, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to maintaining a balance between drug supply reduction and preventive education.
The latest operations underscored NDLEA’s ongoing resolve to dismantle drug networks and combat substance abuse across Nigeria.
