Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have stepped up nationwide operations against drug trafficking networks, arresting a 93-year-old great-grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor among several suspects in coordinated raids.
The elderly suspect, identified as Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested at his residence in Abia State, where 7.7 kilograms of skunk were reportedly recovered. He allegedly admitted to long-term drug use before becoming involved in trafficking.
In a separate operation targeting an international syndicate, Ivorian national Gohouri Michael was apprehended at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with cocaine, leading to further investigations.
Authorities later tracked and arrested Chudi Daniel Ofomata in Ogun State for allegedly coordinating the movement of the illicit drugs, with additional substances recovered from him.
Further operations across Ogun and Imo states led to the arrest of several suspects, including Azeez Sanni, Olayinka Oke, Adekunle Adeyemi, and Ayoka Akinwale, with large quantities of skunk seized during the raids.
In Niger State, a couple, Abdullahi Umar and his wife Adama Umar, were also arrested after operatives discovered 118 kilograms of skunk concealed in their residence.
Additional seizures were recorded in Borno, Lagos, and Abuja, where officials intercepted trucks and vehicles transporting significant quantities of illegal drugs, including codeine syrup, Rohypnol tablets, and cannabis, resulting in multiple arrests.
Reacting to the operations, NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa praised officers across various state commands for their efforts and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to reducing drug supply alongside sustained public awareness campaigns.