New Post Africa

Category: Crime Diary

  • NDLEA intercepts N6.2bn ‘Jihadi Drug’, opioids at Lagos Airport, arrests cross-border kingpin

    NDLEA intercepts N6.2bn ‘Jihadi Drug’, opioids at Lagos Airport, arrests cross-border kingpin

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking following the interception of consignments of captagon, widely referred to as the “Jihadi drug”, and millions of opioid pills worth more than N6.2 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    The operations also led to the arrest of a suspected cross-border drug kingpin, while cocaine and heroin were recovered from a fireproof safe during a raid on a drug den in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    According to a statement published by the NDLEA on its official website on Sunday, August 30, 2026, operatives arrested a 49-year-old suspect, Akinbile Kazeem Aikins, following the interception of a consignment of captagon concealed in blocks of locally made bathing soap, popularly known as “Ghana Soap”.

    The suspect was arrested at the Lagos airport on Saturday, August 22, shortly after arriving from Accra, Ghana, aboard an African World Airlines flight.

    A search of his carton led to the discovery of 47,200 pills of the illicit amphetamine drug, with an estimated street value of more than N1.5 billion.

    The NDLEA said Aikins allegedly claimed during preliminary investigation that he was expected to deliver the consignment to a destination in northern Nigeria.

    Captagon has been associated with illicit drug networks operating in conflict zones and has been linked to extremist financing, earning it the controversial nickname “Jihadi drug”. The NDLEA said the drug was first intercepted in Nigeria in September 2021 at the Apapa port in Lagos.

    In another operation at the MMIA, NDLEA operatives recovered no fewer than 3,900,030 tablets of Tramaking 225mg and Tapentadol 250mg from four abandoned consignments at the airport’s import shed.

    The opioid pills, with a combined gross weight of 2,787.40 kilograms, have an estimated street value of more than N4.6 billion.

    Three of the consignments, containing 900,000 tablets of Tramaking and weighing 815.40 kilograms, arrived from Bangladesh aboard RwandAir flights, while the fourth consignment contained 3,000,030 tablets of Tapentadol weighing 1,972 kilograms and arrived aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Amsterdam.

    The agency said the consignments had been placed under surveillance after no claimant appeared to take delivery of them. They were eventually retrieved following a joint examination involving NDLEA officers, the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders on Friday, August 28.

    In a related operation, a 31-year-old United States returnee, Sowunmi David Oludotun, was arrested on August 19 at Ikate, Lekki, while attempting to take delivery of 3.350 kilograms of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis allegedly imported from the United Kingdom.

    Meanwhile, in Rivers State, NDLEA operatives raided the notorious Abuja Down/Up area of Port Harcourt, where they recovered a fireproof iron safe from a suspected drug den.

    The safe was forced open with a welding machine on Tuesday, August 25, leading to the recovery of 237 grams of Colorado, 316 grams of cocaine and 10 grams of heroin.

    The agency also reported several other arrests and drug seizures in Ondo and Delta states.

    NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the MMIA, Ondo and Delta commands for the successful operations.

    Marwa urged operatives across the country to sustain the agency’s balanced approach to drug control and remain vigilant against traffickers exploring new methods of concealing illicit substances.

    He warned that drug traffickers were increasingly resorting to everyday household items, including bathing soap, to move illegal consignments across borders and evade detection.

  • ICYMI: Obi warns Nigeria must not become a ‘killing field’ amid rising attacks

    ICYMI: Obi warns Nigeria must not become a ‘killing field’ amid rising attacks

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the recent upsurge in killings and kidnappings across the country, particularly in the North-Central region.

    Obi, in a statement issued on August 23 titled “Nigeria Cannot Become a Killing Field: What is happening to our country?”, said deadly attacks had occurred in recent days in Benue, Plateau and Niger states, describing the three states as contiguous parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region.

    The former Anambra State governor cited reported attacks in Mangu, Plateau State, and Borgu, Niger State, as examples of the worsening security situation.

    According to Obi, at least 23 people were officially reported killed in the Jwak Maitumbi attack in Mangu, although residents reportedly put the death toll above 30. He added that more than 45 houses were reportedly destroyed.

    In Borgu, Niger State, Obi said recent attacks reportedly killed more than 40 people and led to the abduction of over 100 others, while noting that the figures remained contested.

    “This comes amid continuing violence in Benue, where communities face repeated killings, abductions and the destruction of homes and livelihoods,” he said.

    Obi argued that the scale and frequency of the attacks required the government to treat the situation as a broader national security emergency rather than as isolated incidents.

    “Nigeria is not officially at war, yet citizens are being attacked in their villages, abducted after prayers, driven from their homes and stripped of their farms,” he said.

    He further warned that the violence was not limited to the three North-Central states, noting that similar attacks were occurring in other parts of the country, with some incidents allegedly going unreported.

    “What is happening in Benue, Plateau and Niger is similar to what is happening elsewhere in the country, with some attacks even going unreported. The violence across these states must no longer be treated as isolated incidents. It is a national security emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action,” Obi said.

    Against this backdrop, the former governor called on the Federal Government and other levels of government to take what he described as urgent and decisive action to protect citizens.

    “I urge governments at all levels to wake up to their responsibility and take urgent and decisive action to end this madness once and for all,” he said.

    Obi called for stronger protection of vulnerable communities, improved intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities, as well as intensified efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians and arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.

    “Government must protect vulnerable communities, improve intelligence and rapid-response capabilities, rescue abducted Nigerians, and arrest and prosecute those responsible.

    “We cannot keep counting bodies after every attack. We must prevent these attacks before they happen,” he said.

    He maintained that protecting lives and property remained the fundamental responsibility of government and urged authorities to do more to guarantee the safety of Nigerians.

    “Protecting lives and property is the most basic duty of government. Nigerians deserve nothing less.

    “Nigeria must not become a killing field,” Obi declared.

    The statement comes amid a renewed Federal Government response to the security situation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also condemned the recent attacks and directed security agencies to launch coordinated operations to rescue victims of the abductions and strengthen the protection of affected communities.

  • Military rescues 59 kidnap victims, neutralises 11 terrorists in nationwide operations 

    Military rescues 59 kidnap victims, neutralises 11 terrorists in nationwide operations 

    ABUJA, Nigeria (Aency Report) — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops rescued at least 59 kidnapped victims and neutralised 11 terrorists during military operations across the country between August 14 and August 20. 

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, providing an update on the military’s operational activities across the country during the period. 

    In the North-East, Onoja said troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued eight kidnapped victims. 

    He said troops also rescued three victims from Gwamnare Forest in Bauchi State and a 63-year-old Cameroonian national abducted along the Gwoza-Cameroon axis. 

    According to him, troops neutralised three terrorists and recovered weapons and other war materiel, while 47 family members of terrorists and six fighters surrendered to troops in Borno State. 

    In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 28 abducted persons across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states between August 17 and August 19. 

    The troops also neutralised four terrorists, arrested an explosives courier and other suspected terrorist collaborators, and recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and cash. 

    He said the operation further led to the arrest of six suspected informants allegedly linked to the abduction of an immigration officer’s family and staff, as well as students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda. 

    In the North-Central, Onoja said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE compelled kidnappers to release 13 victims comprising two men, five women and six children in Kogi State. 

    The troops also neutralised two suspected criminals, arrested an arms courier and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other weapons during separate operations in Taraba and Benue states. 

    Similarly, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered several firearms, fabricated rifles, Dane guns and ammunition during a raid on suspected criminals in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. 

    In Kwara State, troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, while seven kidnap victims were rescued during a night patrol in Patigi Local Government Area. 

    In the South-South, Onoja said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested suspected kidnappers and an arms trafficker, recovering seven locally made pistols, ammunition and a camouflage vest. 

    He added that the troops disrupted three illegal refining sites in Rivers State, recovering about 85,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). 

    In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA dismantled suspected secessionist camps, recovered weapons and safely cleared multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across Imo, Anambra and Abia states. 

    The troops also dismantled an illegal bunkering site in Abia, arrested suspects and recovered suspected stolen AGO, motorcycles and a vehicle. 

    “On Aug. 20, troops conducting clearance operations towards ‘Mother Valley’ in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra cleared 11 IEDs,” Onoja said. 

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy commissioned a solar-powered water project for residents of Ward F2 in Surulere, Lagos, as part of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s civil-military cooperation initiatives. 

    Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their sustained successes in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and degrading criminal networks. 

    He said Oluyede also commended the synergy between the military, other security agencies and local security groups, while urging Nigerians and community leaders to continue providing useful information to troops. 

    The Defence spokesperson added that the Chief of Defence Staff appreciated the media for its professionalism and balanced reportage of military operations. 

    According to him, Oluyede assured Nigerians that the military would sustain the tempo of operations until peace and security were restored nationwide. 

  • SERAP urges probe into vote-buying, violence in Osun election, international scrutiny

    SERAP urges probe into vote-buying, violence in Osun election, international scrutiny

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly investigate reported cases of vote-buying, financial inducement, illegal election financing, voter intimidation, violence and alleged misuse of public resources during the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

    SERAP also called for independent regional and international scrutiny of the reported electoral infractions, including by the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms.

    In a petition dated August 15, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the three agencies to investigate the reported offences transparently and trace the sources and movement of funds allegedly deployed for vote-buying and other unlawful electoral activities.

    The organisation also called for the preservation and examination of banking and mobile-money records, telecommunications data, CCTV and video footage, polling-unit records and other documentary and digital evidence that could assist investigations.

    SERAP urged the agencies to investigate, arrest and, where appropriate, prosecute persons reasonably suspected of electoral, corruption or other criminal offences, including individuals who allegedly financed or facilitated the conduct.

    According to SERAP, the credibility of the election result ultimately depends on whether voters were able to freely exercise their right to participate in the electoral process and make their political choices without inducement, intimidation, violence or coercion.

    “The legitimacy and credibility of the Osun State election result ultimately depend upon whether voters were genuinely able to freely exercise their right to participation and political choice,” the organisation said.

    SERAP added that where voters were allegedly induced with money or other benefits, threatened with violence, intimidated, obstructed or otherwise coerced, questions would arise over whether the election reflected the free and genuine will of the electorate.

    The organisation said a joint investigation by INEC, EFCC and ICPC would allow the agencies to examine the electoral, financial and criminal dimensions of the reported offences in a coordinated manner.

    It also argued that involving regional and international mechanisms would provide complementary scrutiny, strengthen transparency and accountability, and help assess the implications of the alleged violations for Nigeria’s human rights and democratic obligations.

    SERAP further urged the agencies to make their findings public and, where lawful and appropriate, ensure that relevant evidence is made available to competent election tribunals and other accountability institutions.

    According to preliminary reports by the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub (EU-SDGN EOH) cited by SERAP, civil society observers recorded 323 electoral offences and irregularities across 726 polling units observed as of noon on election day.

    The reported infractions included 103 cases of vote trading, 28 cases involving inducement of polling and security officials, 31 cases of voter obstruction, 38 cases of campaigning at polling units, 14 cases of voter impersonation, 12 cases of multiple voting, seven cases of election-official misconduct and 85 cases involving exposure of ballot papers.

    The observers also recorded 38 security incidents, including reported cases of thuggery, attacks on electoral officials and voter intimidation.

    SERAP further cited reports by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, which identified alleged cases of vote-buying and other inducements, including the distribution of jollof rice and drinks at a polling unit in Isokan Local Government Area.

    According to the organisation, the incident allegedly resulted in significant disorder, while the Situation Room also reported the harassment of an election observer and alleged disruption by suspected thugs.

    SERAP said the reported allegations raised concerns over possible violations of the Electoral Act 2026, the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties.

    It cited Sections 125, 131 and 132 of the Electoral Act 2026, which it said criminalise bribery, undue influence and the use or threat of violence to influence voting.

    The organisation also pointed to Sections 91 to 94 of the Act, which provide political-finance safeguards, including contribution and expenditure limits and post-election disclosure requirements.

    SERAP said Section 138(1) of the Electoral Act permits an election to be challenged where it was invalidated by corrupt practices or non-compliance with the Act, while Section 139 addresses cases of non-compliance that may substantially affect an election result.

    The organisation also referenced constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations relating to democratic participation and free and fair elections.

    It cited Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects citizens’ right to participate in public affairs and elections, as well as Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which provides for citizens’ right to participate freely in the government of their country.

    SERAP urged INEC, EFCC and ICPC to immediately commence the proposed joint investigation, trace alleged illicit financial flows, preserve relevant evidence and investigate compliance with political-finance provisions.

    It also called for the publication of investigation findings and appropriate legal action where credible evidence establishes that corruption, inducement, coercion or violence materially affected voters or the election outcome.

    The organisation further urged the agencies to facilitate scrutiny by ECOWAS, the AU, the African Commission and relevant UN human rights mechanisms, and make relevant evidence available to competent electoral and judicial bodies where lawful and appropriate.

    SERAP said the measures were necessary not only to ensure accountability for alleged violations during the Osun election but also to deter electoral corruption and violence, strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and safeguard the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

  • Oyo police arrest 10 suspected human parts dealers, recover human parts

    Oyo police arrest 10 suspected human parts dealers, recover human parts

    IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected human parts dealers following months of intelligence gathering, discreet surveillance and monitoring of their activities across the state.

    The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit during an intelligence-led operation at their various hideouts in Iseyin and Saki areas of Oyo State.

    According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the suspects are Adam Ibrahim, 42; Nasiru Kabiru, 22; Tijani Wasiu, 54; Abiola Nasiru, 45; Amusa Gbadamosi, 57; Raheem Taofeek, 46; Jimoh Muritala, 35; Suleiman Busari, 47; Ganiyu Nurudeen, 36; and Usman Abdullahi, 52.

    Following their arrest, police operatives conducted searches of the suspects’ hideouts, recovering several suspected human parts and charms.

    The recovered exhibits include one suspected human heart, human flesh, pieces of human skull and assorted charms.

    The police said the recovered items had been secured for forensic examination as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding their source, procurement and intended use.

    During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their alleged involvement in dealing in human parts for various ritual purposes.

    The Command said the suspects were assisting investigators in providing information that could help unravel the activities of the suspected syndicate.

    Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other members allegedly connected to the network.

    Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, PSC, mnips, commended the operatives for the intelligence-led operation.

    The Commissioner assured residents that the Command remained committed to tackling criminal activities and protecting the sanctity of human life across the state.

    He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide the police with credible information that could assist in preventing and detecting criminal activities.

    The Command appealed for continued cooperation from residents as investigations into the case progress.

  • Enugu police arrest 14 kidnap suspects, recover five AK-47 rifles

    Enugu police arrest 14 kidnap suspects, recover five AK-47 rifles

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected kidnappers allegedly linked to multiple abduction cases involving substantial ransom payments, as part of intensified operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, disclosed this on Friday, August 14, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, GRA, Enugu, where he vowed to sustain the offensive against criminal elements.

    According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, Giwa said the arrests followed sustained human and technical intelligence-led operations, including joint operations conducted across state boundaries.

    The Commissioner highlighted recent operations that resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims at Ogbozara Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State and Owukpa Community in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

    He also disclosed that following the abduction of three victims at a church in Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area, one victim was rescued on August 2.

    Subsequent operations led to the rescue of the remaining two victims, the arrest of three suspects, the neutralisation of another suspect and the recovery of ransom money, firearms and ammunition.

    Further operations by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Violent Crime Response Unit (AK-VCRU) resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, allegedly linked to the Affa church kidnapping.

    The suspects had reportedly fled Enugu following operational pressure but were traced and arrested in Rivers State.

    Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects later regrouped with other gang members in Port Harcourt, where they allegedly abducted another victim who was released after a ₦5 million ransom was paid.

    The Commissioner further disclosed that 12 other suspects were arrested between June and August 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as well as Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Kwara and Taraba states.

    Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly belong to an organised criminal network operating across different parts of the country.

    According to Giwa, the suspects allegedly converge in Enugu to plan and execute kidnapping operations before returning to their respective locations.

    The Commissioner said the network was allegedly aided by an Enugu-based member who operates a tricycle and provides transportation for gang members, firearms and other criminal implements.

    Another member of the network allegedly supplies intelligence to help the gang evade security surveillance, identify potential targets and select locations for their operations.

    During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in several kidnapping incidents across Enugu State.

    These include operations along the Enugu–Ugwuogo–Opi–Nsukka Road; Obioma–9th Mile–Umulumgbe–Okpatu Road; Eke–Affa–Egede–Ezinze axis, as well as various locations in Ezeagu Local Government Area.

    Preliminary investigations have linked the suspects to the abduction of a victim at Mgbabuowa/Aguobuowa, Ezeagu Local Government Area, on May 25, 2026, during which ₦5.5 million was allegedly obtained as ransom.

    They were also allegedly involved in the abduction of two victims and the shooting and killing of a female victim at Obioma, Udi Local Government Area, on May 9, during which $28,700 was reportedly obtained.

    Other cases include the abduction of two victims along the Eke–Ezinze Road, Udi Local Government Area, on April 10, for which $70,000 was allegedly obtained, and the kidnapping of seven victims at Obinaofia, Ezeagu Local Government Area, on April 12, during which ₦25 million was reportedly paid as ransom.

    The police said investigations had also revealed that the suspects allegedly concealed and laundered proceeds from their criminal activities through investments in livestock and properties, lavish spending and other forms of conspicuous consumption.

    The proceeds were also allegedly used to finance leisure and overseas trips, including visits to neighbouring countries such as Cameroon.

    The Command said investigations are ongoing as security operatives continue efforts to dismantle the criminal network and bring other members involved in the alleged kidnapping operations to justice.

    CP Giwa reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations and make Enugu increasingly unconducive for kidnappers and other violent criminals.

  • JUST IN: Borno police recover hand grenade in Maiduguri

    JUST IN: Borno police recover hand grenade in Maiduguri

    MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Borno State Police Command has recovered an unexploded ordnance (UXO), identified as a hand grenade, in the Moduganari area of Maiduguri.

    The recovery followed a report received at about 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, concerning a suspected explosive device found on a drainage slab in the area.

    Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Base 13, Maiduguri, promptly mobilised to the scene and safely recovered the device.

    According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the recovered UXO has been secured for further examination, while investigations are ongoing to determine its origin and the circumstances surrounding its discovery.

    The Commissioner of Police commended members of the public for their vigilance and prompt alert to the police, stressing that such timely reporting was essential to preventing possible harm.

    The Command urged residents to avoid touching, moving or tampering with any suspected explosive device and to immediately alert security agencies whenever such objects are discovered.

    The Borno State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and called for continued public cooperation and timely reporting of suspicious objects or activities.

    The command called on residents to report emergencies or suspicious objects via its emergency lines.

  • Benue police rescue five kidnap victims,search for nine others

    Benue police rescue five kidnap victims,search for nine others

    MAKURDI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of passengers travelling in a commercial bus from Enugu State to Abuja, saying five of the victims, including a four-year-old boy, have been rescued.

    The incident occurred on the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of August 13, 2026.

    Following the attack, police operatives commenced a coordinated rescue operation in the early hours of Friday, resulting in an exchange of gunfire with the suspected kidnappers.

    According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, for the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, five victims have so far been rescued, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.

    One of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was immediately taken to a medical facility in Otukpo, where he is receiving treatment.

    The command said operatives, working in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified efforts to secure the safe release of the remaining nine victims.

    It said the ongoing operation is being conducted with utmost caution, with the safety and well-being of the abducted persons remaining the primary objective.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, acknowledged the concerns of the victims’ families and members of the public, assuring them that concerted efforts were being made to rescue those still in captivity.

    The command appealed to residents of communities around the affected area to remain calm and vigilant and provide the police with credible information that could assist the ongoing operation.

    It also urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to help prevent similar incidents.

    The police assured the public that updates on the rescue operation would be provided as developments unfold.

  • NDLEA arrests Italy-based businessman with 98 cocaine wraps at Enugu airport

    NDLEA arrests Italy-based businessman with 98 cocaine wraps at Enugu airport

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 30-year-old Italy-based businessman, identified as Joseph Cyril, for allegedly ingesting 98 wraps of cocaine while attempting to travel to Italy through Addis Ababa and France.

    The suspect was arrested on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the departure hall of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET930.

    According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Cyril was subsequently placed under excretion observation, during which he excreted 98 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.510 kilogrammes.

    Babafemi said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect arrived in Nigeria from Italy on July 13, 2026, and allegedly ingested the drug in a hotel in Awka, Anambra State, before travelling to Enugu to board his flight to Europe.

    The suspect reportedly told investigators that he had been doing business in Italy for several years before agreeing to traffic the consignment for €3,500, which he intended to use to raise funds to relocate to Germany, where his family is based.

    Meanwhile, the NDLEA said its operatives foiled several attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to export and distribute illicit drugs across the country.

    In Lagos, operatives intercepted 1.2 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in 25 phone chargers destined for Saudi Arabia at a courier company.

    A separate attempt to ship 500 grammes of cocaine hidden in the false bottom of a backpack to Italy was also thwarted at another logistics company on Monday, August 3.

    The agency further disclosed that 2.3 kilogrammes of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, originating from the United States, was intercepted at another shipping company in Lagos on Tuesday, August 4.

    In another operation, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Akure-Ilesha Expressway on Tuesday intercepted a truck heading north with 1,633 kilogrammes of skunk allegedly concealed in bags of rice shafts.

    Two suspects, Buba Jamilu, 40, and Sanusi Ibrahim, 30, were arrested in connection with the consignment.

    The agency also recovered 147 kilogrammes of skunk from Ita Ogbolu Forest during a raid on Monday, August 3.

    In Oyo State, operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a drug warehouse in Elebure Village, Orire Local Government Area, on Monday, recovering 731.03 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and arresting a 57-year-old suspect, Felicia Thompson.

    The agency said her alleged partner, Thompson Vincent Nwaka, is currently at large.

    Similarly, NDLEA operatives supported by soldiers recovered 65 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 604.5 kilogrammes at Ewe Luleha in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Wednesday, August 5.

    In Abia State, operatives arrested Chibuike Charles, 31, during a raid on a drug joint at Samec by Powerline Base in Osisioma Local Government Area, where 7 kilogrammes of skunk was recovered.

    In Lagos, a wanted drug dealer, Adome Claude Sikuru, was arrested on Saturday, August 8, at the Fibre Market drug jungle in Badagry following a three-month manhunt. NDLEA said 88.5 kilogrammes of skunk was recovered from him.

    At the TinCan Port Complex, Lagos, NDLEA officers, in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, discovered 73 cartons containing 442 packets of cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 309.4 kilogrammes during a joint examination of a 40-foot container on Tuesday, August 4.

    A suspect, Larry Nnaji, was arrested in connection with the seizure.

    Beyond enforcement operations, the NDLEA said its commands and formations across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities.

    The agency cited enlightenment lectures delivered to students and staff of Islamic High School, Saki, Oyo State; Holy Ghost Academy, Nkpor, Anambra State; and Madarasatul Hidayatul Aulad Islamiyya, Gaya, Kano State.

    The Rivers State Command also paid a WADA advocacy visit to the management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt.

    Commending officers and men of the DOGI, AIIA, Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Abia, Seme and TinCan Commands for their operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), urged personnel nationwide to sustain the agency’s balanced approach to drug control.

    He called for continued enforcement operations alongside preventive measures, including public education and community-based sensitisation, in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

  • SERAP urges 2027 presidential candidates to declare assets, reject vote-buying

    SERAP urges 2027 presidential candidates to declare assets, reject vote-buying

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the 19 presidential candidates announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publicly disclose their assets and liabilities, as well as those of their spouses and, where applicable, unmarried children under 18, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    SERAP also called on the candidates to disclose the legitimate sources of their significant assets and publicly reject vote-buying and electoral bribery before and during the election.

    In its call, the organisation urged the candidates to direct their political parties, campaign organisations, agents and supporters not to offer or distribute money, gifts or other material inducements in exchange for votes.

    The presidential candidates listed by SERAP are President Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC), Peter Obi (NDC), Senator Sandy Onor (PDP), Omoyele Sowore (AAC), Donald Duke (PRP), Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick (NDP), Chukwu Anita Zugwai (YPP), Rufai Adekunle Omoaje (AA) and Adenuga Sunday (Boot Party).

    Others are Memeh Samuel (DLA), Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu (ZLP), Okereke Sunday Chibuzor (LP), Okereke Iken Esther (NRM), Abbas-Bin Aliyu (ADP), Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed (NNPP), Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer (SDP), Seyi Makinde (APM) and Yusuf Kabiru (APP).

    SERAP urged the candidates to go beyond the bare legal minimum by voluntarily embracing higher standards of transparency, accountability and integrity in their bid for Nigeria’s highest elected office.

    The organisation argued that candidates seeking the enormous constitutional powers attached to the presidency, including authority over public finances, natural resources, appointments and security institutions, should be prepared to demonstrate that their personal financial affairs can withstand reasonable public scrutiny.

    According to SERAP, voluntary disclosure before the election would enable voters to identify potential conflicts of interest and significant sources of wealth, strengthen confidence in the electoral process and establish a baseline for assessing changes in candidates’ assets if they are elected.

    The organisation also stressed the need for candidates to publicly reject vote-buying and electoral bribery as part of efforts to strengthen the credibility of the 2027 election.

    “Votes must not be bought. Public office must not be treated as private property. Those seeking the highest public office must be willing to meet the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity,” SERAP said.

    It added that Nigerians should be able to choose their leaders based on policies, competence, integrity, character and vision, rather than on which candidate has the greatest financial resources to spend during the election.

    SERAP said the demand for voluntary asset disclosure was aimed at giving voters more information with which to assess candidates before casting their ballots.

    The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its citizens and that public office should be regarded as a public trust rather than an avenue for private enrichment.

    It further urged the presidential candidates to use the 2027 election as an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability they would be expected to uphold if elected.

    According to SERAP, candidates who voluntarily disclose their assets and reject vote-buying would send a strong signal that they are prepared to uphold the standards of good governance they promise Nigerians.