NDLEA - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Lydia Beshel
Jun, Thu, 2025

Edo Govt calls for collective action against drug abuse, trafficking

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Campaign

By Usman Aliyu

Edo Government has called for collective action against drug abuse and trafficking in the state, with a renewed focus on public education, prevention, and community rehabilitation.

Mr Andrew Oghenovo, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking Control made the call on Wednesday during an anti-drug abuse rally in Benin.

The rally featured participation from NDLEA personnel, other security agencies, students of the University of Benin, and civil society groups.

The campaign, which kicked off from the King’s Square at the popular Ring Road, passed through the Edo House of Assembly, Oba Market, and terminated at the Benin Central Motor Park at Obakhavbaye area in the city.

Addressing commuters, traders and passersby during the rally, Oghenovo said the state government had invested in the prevention of drug abuse as part of its strategic response to the growing menace.

“The governor has promised that he’s going to build a rehabilitation centre where anybody affected can seek help.

“The centre will treat them and teach them work — tailoring, barbering, anything at all,” he said.

The Okpebholo’s aide stressed the state’s commitment to reintegration and skill-building for affected individuals.

“We’ll train you, set you up, make you become useful to society and your family,” he said.

At the Edo House of Assembly, NDLEA Edo Commander, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the rally was to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Ofoyeju reiterated the importance of prevention, in line with the year’s global theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

“We are drumming up support to back up this theme, which lends credence to the fact that the war against drugs, is not only through enforcement, arrest, seizure, and prosecution.

“But it can also be through public enlightenment and campaigns to educate people concerning the ills inherent in drug trafficking and abuse,” he said.

He asserted that drug control was at the centre of crime control, and also a key pet project of Gov. Okpebholo, which had to do with kidnapping and cultism.

“I assured the lawmakers that I am going to sanitise and dislodge those hoodlums at Ihama Road.

“We have already taken two; I directed they should be prosecuted, and we are going to continue through constant raid operations,” he said.

Responding to the campaign, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, pledged legislative support for the anti-drug efforts and condemned the rising presence of open drug dens in the state capital.

“I want to commend you for the rally to sensitise the public about the effects and hazards of drugs.

“Of a truth, we need to join you and the agency because we represent every constituency,” the Speaker said.

He revealed that the House had already passed a law against drug abuse, stressing, “Drugs can condemn anybody.”

The speaker, however, raised alarm over the drug trade around Ihama Road near the legislative quarters, describing it as “an eyesore” and “the den of drugs in Edo State.

“Even as a member of the House, if you are driving, they will be calling to sell the drugs to you.

“After taking the drugs, you will see them sleeping on the floor like dead persons. I want to appeal to you, please see how you can help us sanitise that area and others.”

He further alleged complicity among some security personnel.

“Let me also let you know that most of the security men also go there to buy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in Saudi-bound religious books

Lydia Beshel
Apr, Mon, 2025

Defence/Security

NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in Saudi-bound religious books

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Cocaine

By Ibironke Ariyo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a shipment of cocaine concealed in twenty sets of religious books bound for Saudi Arabia.

According to the Director, Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said the cocaine consignment consisted of twenty parcels with a total weight of 500 grams buried in the pages of the religious books.

Femi made the statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the seizure occurred on Tuesday, April 15, when NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) were searching through export cargos bound for Saudi Arabia at the logistics firm.

On the same day, NDLEA officers intercepted a separate shipment at another courier company: five parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, weighing 2.8 kilograms hidden in a carton coming from the United States of America.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives arrested 22-year-old Muhammad Mohammed, a supplier of illicit substances to bandits, in Kano, while on patrol along Bichi – Kano Road.

Babafemi said that the suspect was heading to Katsina, had 277 ampoules of pentazocine injection tied to his thigh and private part with sellotape.

“He was intercepted on Sunday, April 13, meanwhile another suspect, Mohammed Abdulaziz, 43, was arrested on the same day at Research Rimin Kebe area of Nasarawa, Kano with 68 blocks of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 30kg,’’he said.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives raided two cannabis farms in Egbeta forest, Edo state, destroying 3,717.8625kg of the psychoactive plant on 1.487145 hectares and recovered 136.5kg of processed cannabis.

Similarly, at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA arrested Kayode Basorun, 40, a suspect who has been at large for two years, in connection with the seizure of 107kg of Loud imported from Cannada in 2023.

Babafemi added that another suspect, Dauda Yakubu who distributed illicit drugs within the seaport community was arrested by a team of operatives on Monday, April 14. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia sign MoU on narcotic control

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Mon, 2025

Defence/Security

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia sign MoU on narcotic control

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By Ibironke Ariyo
Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen operational partnership in narcotics control.

The agreement was signed on Monday in Riyadh by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A statement by Femi Babafemi, the Director Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, said the two countries also agreed to tighten the noose on drug trafficking networks within their territories.

Speaking at the event, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, said that both countries have long been allies across various spheres.

Marwa, who was accompanied by the Agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) Ahmed Ningi, said that both countries have a history of strong bilateral relations.

“However, today marks a particularly significant milestone, one that has been long overdue and holds immense importance for both our nations.

“Today’s event marks the culmination of the strong relationship between our two nations, particularly between our respective anti-narcotics agencies, NDLEA and GDNC,” Marwa said.

He said that the partnership was not only a matter of engagements but had extended to a deeper connection, as evidenced by the signing of the MoU.

This, he added, would no doubt build on the collective expertise and establish effective strategies to address the complexities of narcotics control.

Explaining the significance of the agreement, Marwa said “Illicit drugs have become a global challenge that transcends geographical and ideological divides.

“Whether in the East or West, North or South, drug trafficking and abuse pose a shared threat to humanity.

“Addressing this crisis requires setting aside artificial differences and working together in unity.

“The instrumentality of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the frameworks of various UN conventions have established a common ground for countries to cooperate and coordinate efforts to effectively combat this mutual challenge,”

Marwa said that Nigeria had collaborated with bodies like United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US, United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK.

“Others are the French Police; the German Police, while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has remained one of Nigeria’s key allies.

“Our cooperation has been long standing, with mutual support predating the formal signing of this Memorandum of Understanding. In fact, our working relationship extends back nearly two decades.”

Marwa commended the Saudi authorities for previous support to NDLEA, while highlighting other areas the agency would require the assistance of Saudi government.

In his remark, Director General of Saudi Arabia’s Directorate of GDNC, Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qarni, expressed delight that the MoU was signed after over three years of initial discussions and preparations.

He, however, commended Marwa and his team for their resilience, sincerity and commitment to the global effort to tame the scourge of illicit drug trafficking.

He assured of the commitment of the Saudi authorities to the letters of the MoU, while promising more support to NDLEA in the months ahead.

Highlights of the MoU include: exchange of intelligence between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, the Saudi will avail NDLEA its training Academy for joint training, provision of operational logistics to NDLEA, conduct of joint investigations and exchange of data on convicts.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Suspected Indian lady arrested for drug trafficking at Kano airport

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Sun, 2025

Defence/Security

Suspected Indian lady arrested for drug trafficking at Kano airport

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Heroin

By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), has intercepted a 42-year-old Indian lady at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, (MAKIA), Kano, with 72 parcels of heroin.

A statement by NDLEA’s Director, Media And Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja said that the prohibited substances were factory sealed in wafer wraps and packaged as chocolates.

Babafemi said that the class A drug consignment weighing a total of 11 kilograms was recovered from her luggage after a thorough search.

This, he said followed credible intelligence, during an inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand via Vietnam and Doha at the arrival hall of the Kano airport on Friday, March 14.

Babafemi said that the arrest of the suspect signified a growing attempt by drug trafficking organisations to hire white ladies and foreign nationals to move illicit drugs through the Nigerian borders.

“A bid that vigilant NDLEA operatives have consistently frustrated with the aid of modern technological tools and proactive intelligence, “he said.

In another interdiction operation in Kano, NDLEA officers on Thursday, March 20 arrested a 45-year-old male suspect with a 50-litre steel gas cylinder at Gadar Tamburawa, along Zaria- Kano road.

“Based on credible intelligence, welding tools were later used to cut the giant cylinder after which 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in it were extracted,”he said.

“Meanwhile, a 40-year-old male was nabbed at Gunduwawa area of Kano on Wednesday, March 19 with 27kg skunk, a strain of cannabis.”

Babafemi said that another female suspect was arrested with 424 bottles of codeine-based syrup at Lungun Bulala Yalwa area of the state on Tuesday.

“Also, two male suspects were also nabbed with 67.5kg skunk in Mushin, Lagos state.

“100.8kg of same psychoactive substance was recovered from the store of two fleeing suspects in Anifowoshe area of Mushin.

“Another suspect was also arrested in Apapa with 4.5kg skunk; 600grams of tramadol 225mg and 30litres of codeine syrup on Tuesday.

“Another suspect also was arrested same day in Ikotun area of the state with different quantities of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, “he said.

Across the country, Babafemi said that NDLEA Commands and formations continued to intensify their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy sensitisation.

He also added that the agency engaged in sensitisation in schools, markets, motor parts, work places and worship centres in the past week.

This, he said included: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Chrisland School, Ikeja, Lagos; Hakimi Secondary School, Mokwa, Niger state; Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje, Anambra state.

“Others are Ikole City College, Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti state; Government Day Secondary School, Sunane, Sokoto state; and Government Day Secondary School, Jada, Adamawa state, among others,”he said.

Babafemi quoted the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa as commending the officers and men of MAKIA, Lagos, and Kano Commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures.

Marwa noted with satisfaction the balance in drug supply and demand reduction efforts of all the formations nationwide, even as he charged them not to relent.(NAN)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Kevin Okunzuwa

NDLEA seeks laws to curb drug-related online misinformation

Tosin Kolade
Feb, Wed, 2025

Science & Tech

NDLEA seeks laws to curb drug-related online misinformation

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday in Abuja urged the Federal Government to enact and enforce laws that would curb drug-related online misinformation.

Oyutu Obiageli, an assistant commander in NDLEA, said this at the workshop on ‘Safer Internet Day’ organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Abuja Chapter and Young Innovators Nigeria (YIN).

The theme of the event was: ‘Creating a safer Digital World Empowering Youths Against Cybercrime’.

Obiageli said Tech companies should strengthen their commitment to content regulation and misinformation detection.

“Educational institutions and parents must equip young people with digital literacy skills to differentiate facts from falsehoods.

“The public must take responsibility by verifying information before sharing and reporting harmful content.

“The public must also take responsibility by verifying information before sharing and reporting harmful content,” she said.

Obiageli called for the need for young people to be equipped with digital literacy skills to critically analyse drug-related content online.

“We must establish fact-checking initiatives and collaborate with influencers who promote factual drug education.

“Strengthening legislation to regulate online drug-related content is important. Technology alone is not enough.

“Strong legislation and enforcement mechanisms are crucial in holding digital platforms accountable for the content they host,” she said.

The chairman of Abuja Chapter of NCS, Mr John Odumesi, said the digital space had become an indispensable part of learning process, communication and innovation.

He said the interconnected world also presents significant risks, especially for young people, often susceptible to online predators, cyber bulling, misinformation and other forms of cybercrime.

“The workshop is timely and relevant; it highlights the urgent need to equip our youth with knowledge, skills and resources necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.

“We must empower them to become responsible digital citizens,” Odumesi said.

The Founder of YIN, Mr Andrew Agbo, said there was need to enlighten youths on the dangers and opportunities associated with the internet.

He said the emergence of the internet had made it possible for people to access tons of digitised information at their convenience.

Agbo said it had enhanced communication, improved business transactions, and expanded access to information, adding that in the education space, students can work interactively and unrestricted without worrying about time and the usual physical constraints.

He said the programme would improve the knowledge of young innovators as they can use the internet to create new ideas, develop new technologies and address local issues.

The Zonal Coordinator, North Central Zone (NCS) , Mr Bayo Onimode, said the Day was an important initiative that helps inform the public on how to use online resources safely and responsibly.

He advised Nigerians to be careful on the various online platforms they follow, saying some of them could be an avenue for cybercrime. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Ismail Abdulaziz
Feb, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

FRSC, NDLEA partner on illegal drug use

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is partnering with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders in a campaign against illicit drug use by motorists across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The FRSC is also collaborating with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ensure that all motor parks across the country maintain cleanliness.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the announcement on Thursday while leading heads of various government agencies and the President of the Court of Appeal on a sensitisation campaign.

The campaign took place at the Jabi Central Motor Park in Abuja is aimed at raising awareness on road safety and the dangers of illicit drug use among motorists.

Mohammed stated that these efforts were critical to achieving the success of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Programmes on safety and environmental cleanliness.

He expressed concern over the illegal trade and consumption of illicit drugs at motor parks across the country and emphasised that the FRSC would continue to withdraw the licenses of motorists caught consuming alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs.

“The intake of illicit drugs endangers not only the drivers’ lives but also the lives of those around them.

“We will not rest until we ensure that our roads are safe for everyone,” he said.

He added that this year, the FRSC would place greater emphasis on strict enforcement and prosecution of traffic offenders for effective traffic management.

Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, who was represented by NDLEA FCT Commander, Mr Kabir Tsakuwa, urged commercial drivers to refrain from taking illicit drugs, calling it hazardous to their health.

Marwa stressed that the NDLEA was committed to making Nigeria free of illicit drugs and highlighted that Jabi Park had been a long-standing partner in ensuring the park was free from drug sales and consumption.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, expressed concern about the many lives lost to road accidents, especially young Nigerians, due to illicit drug use by commercial drivers.

She appealed to transport union leaders across the country to join the campaign against alcohol and drug consumption at motor parks to bring order to the roads.

NESREA Director General, Dr Innocent Barikor, emphasised the importance of keeping motor parks clean and avoiding littering, which could damage vehicles and lead to accidents.

In response, one of the leaders of the Jabi Central Motor Park, Mr Gabriel Okeh, thanked FRSC, NDLEA, NESREA, and other agencies including NGOs, for bringing the campaign to the park.

He pledged the park’s support for government efforts to sanitise the environment and make roads safer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FRSC Corps Marshal, President of the Court of Appeal, and other stakeholders inspected kiosks and shops within the motor park.

They encouraged the vendors to halt illegal commercial activities, including the sale of illicit drugs, in the interest of saving lives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Drug abuse destroying Nigeria’s future leaders – Etsu Kwali

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Tue, 2024

Business , Defence/Security

Drug abuse destroying Nigeria’s future leaders – Etsu Kwali

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu of Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says Nigeria’s future is at stake following the high rate of drug abuse among the youths.

Nizassan expressed the concern in Abuja on Tuesday, at a one-day Rise Above Conference, with the theme, “United for a Drug-free Life.”

The conference was organised by Al Masaareef Foundation, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), targeting more than 500 secondary school students.

He pointed out that Nigeria was losing potential future leaders who were addicted to drug and substance abuse.

He said that the prevalence of drug and substance abuse was alarming, not only among the youths, but even adults, particularly parents.

“Unfortunately, even some of the mentors and educators ate into drugs and it has become conventional that nobody sees anything wrong with it.

“The songs that we listen to today are promoting drugs.

“Drug abuse is prevalent everywhere, in the market, it’s in mosques, it’s in churches, in villages and in the government; it is everywhere.

“Until we decide to be concerted in our efforts towards dealing with drug related issues, our nation will not have the leaders that will take over this country tomorrow,” he said.

He said that the key stimulant to insecurity in the country was drug abuse, adding that a lot of persons were making money out of it, “yet, it is destroying the fabrics of this nation.”

The royal father advised students to be among persons that would rise above drug abuse, responsible for 40 per cent of Nigeria’s problems, particularly insecurity.

Nizassan said that insecurity had continued to stall development in the country because the problem of drug abuse, its key stimulant, had not been addressed.

According to him, stakeholders must stop paying lip service to drug abuse and be deliberate about addressing the menace.

“First, we need to crack down all the channels where these drugs are made available.

“As stakeholders, we need to wake up to our responsibilities and tackle the challenge, from where the drugs are produced to where the end users are.

“We all have roles to play at various stages of the supply chain, and when we wake up to our roles, we will be able to address the issue of drugs squarely.

“Until stakeholders wake up to their responsibilities, Nigeria will not be able to address the problem of drug abuse that is already affecting the future of children in the country.”

At community level, the royal father said that community leaders have a role to play in changing the narrative through concerted advocacies against drug abuse.

“We will continue to speak to our people, speak to our women, to our children, and our religious leaders,” he said.

Earlier, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Al Masaareef Foundation, Dr Hauwa Wambai, said that the 500 secondary school students were being mobilised to fight drug abuse among youth in the FCT.

Wambai explained that each of the 500 students, drawn from 62 wards across the six area councils of the FCT, would be expected to train five persons.

She added that each of the five persons would also train at least one person, adding that the strategy was expected to reach at least 2,500 youths with key messages against drug abuse. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu