NDLEA uncovers new Thailand drug route, seizes N4.4bn Loud as 101-year-old woman, others arrested

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered what it described as a new maritime route allegedly being exploited by international drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle synthetic cannabis into Nigeria, following the seizure of about 1.49 tonnes of cannabis indica, popularly known as Loud, at the Apapa and Lekki Deep Sea ports in Lagos.

The consignments, which originated from Laem Chabang Port in Thailand, had a combined estimated street value of more than N4.4 billion, according to the NDLEA.

The agency said the interceptions represented its first-ever seizure of illicit drugs shipped from Thailand through Nigeria’s maritime corridor, raising concerns about attempts by international trafficking networks to establish new routes into the country. (NDLEA)

The seizures formed part of a series of intelligence-led operations carried out by NDLEA commands across the country between August 15 and 22, 2026. The operations also led to the arrest of a 101-year-old great-grandmother allegedly involved in the retail sale of cannabis, the interception of cocaine concealed in fufu, the destruction of 10 tonnes of cannabis and the recovery of methamphetamine, tramadol, codeine and other controlled substances.

At the Apapa Port, NDLEA operatives, working with the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies, jointly examined a container on Friday, August 21.

The container had been declared as carrying dry fish, rice, vehicle spare parts, turmeric soap and inverter batteries. However, the inspection uncovered 1,090.5 kilogrammes of Thai Loud, packed in 54 cartons containing 2,181 sachets, each weighing 500 grammes.

The NDLEA said the container had originated from Laem Chabang Port in Thailand.

At the Lekki Deep Sea Port, another container that had been placed on the agency’s watchlist was jointly examined on Wednesday, August 19, after being monitored by the NDLEA Marine Special Operations Unit.

Four of seven pallets wrapped in black nylon were found to contain 400 kilogrammes of Thai Loud, packed in 96 cartons containing 400 parcels. The remaining three pallets contained 798 rims of A4 paper, which the agency said had been used to conceal the illicit consignment. (NDLEA)

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The combined seizure from the two ports amounted to 1,490.5 kilogrammes, or roughly 1.49 tonnes, of Thai Loud.

The discovery comes amid increased scrutiny of Nigeria’s ports and maritime borders as drug traffickers continue to explore sophisticated concealment methods and alternative routes for moving narcotics across the country.

101-year-old woman arrested over cannabis

In Ogun State, NDLEA operatives arrested 101-year-old Esther Ogunmabo at Ilisan on Saturday, August 15, allegedly for selling cannabis.

The agency said Ogunmabo was found with 90 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged in small retail sachets.

According to the NDLEA, the centenarian told investigators that she turned to selling cannabis after a fire destroyed her provisions shop. She allegedly said one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, supplied her with cannabis every four days for onward sale in small quantities.

Because of her advanced age, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), directed that Ogunmabo be granted bail and placed on counselling.

The agency, however, arrested her daughter over her alleged connection to the cannabis supply. (NDLEA)

Cocaine concealed inside fufu intercepted

In Akwa Ibom State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a wooden boat allegedly transporting illicit drugs towards fishing settlements in Cameroon.

The operation, conducted on Friday, August 21, resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Etima Effiong Eekpo, 29; Otobong Eyoh Etukudoh, 33; and Kingsley Effiong John, 27.

The agency said Eekpo was found with 1.120 kilogrammes of skunk, while Etukudoh had 42.060 kilogrammes of skunk.

John allegedly possessed 435 grammes of skunk and 20 grammes of cocaine concealed inside a large wrap of edible cassava flour, popularly known as fufu.

A total of 42.622 kilogrammes of narcotics was recovered from the three suspects. (NDLEA)

10 tonnes of cannabis destroyed in Ondo

NDLEA operatives in Ondo State also destroyed 10,000 kilogrammes of skunk cultivated across four hectares of farmland in Ijare forest, Ifedore Local Government Area.

The operation followed the earlier arrest of three suspected cannabis cultivators at the same location on August 16.

In another operation at Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area, officers recovered 210 kilogrammes of skunk and a Toyota Camry allegedly belonging to Sylvester Dibiagu Anthony, who the agency said remained at large. (NDLEA)

24,410 tramadol capsules intercepted in FCT

In the Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, August 22, intercepted three waybill packages containing 24,410 tramadol capsules inside a Hummer bus travelling from Enugu to Zuba.

A follow-up operation in Kontagora, Niger State, led to the arrest of 28-year-old Sunday Eze, whom the agency identified as the alleged owner of the consignment.

He was subsequently transferred to Abuja for further investigation. (NDLEA)

Methamphetamine, cannabis recovered in Kwara

In Kwara State, NDLEA officers patrolling the Ogbomosho-Ilorin Expressway on Friday, August 21, intercepted a Toyota Starlet without a registration number.

A search of the vehicle allegedly produced 1.325 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, wrapped in black nylon bags, alongside quantities of cannabis.

A 22-year-old suspect, Muhammadu Usman, was arrested in connection with the seizure. (NDLEA)

65-year-old woman arrested in Oyo

In Oyo State, NDLEA operatives arrested 65-year-old Adebayo Kaosarat at Akobo-Ojuirin in Ibadan.

The agency said she was found with 1.795 kilogrammes of Scottish Loud, 1.66 kilogrammes of tramadol, 600 grammes of codeine syrup, 125 grammes of diazepam and 50 grammes of flunitrazepam.

The combined weight of the substances was put at 4.68 kilogrammes. (NDLEA)

More cannabis seizures in Kano, Lagos and Abia

In Kano State, NDLEA officers recovered 73.3 kilogrammes of skunk from 31-year-old Chibuzor Madueke during a raid along Hadeija Road.

At Seme in Lagos, three members of the same family—52-year-old Nasiru Tijjani and his two relatives, 27-year-olds Moshood Tijjani and Salami Tijjani—were arrested at Ashipa near the border with 48 kilogrammes of skunk, according to the agency.

In Abia State, officers raided the residence of 36-year-old Ikechukwu Anthony Iwuno at Umuobia Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The operation allegedly recovered 14.4 kilogrammes of Loud, 2.3 kilogrammes of Colorado, 386 grammes of tramadol and 134 grammes of Rohypnol. (NDLEA)

NDLEA steps up prevention and enforcement

The NDLEA said its enforcement operations were accompanied by public awareness activities under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

The agency conducted sensitisation programmes in schools, religious institutions, workplaces and communities in Kano, Oyo, Kebbi, Taraba and Edo states, while its Idiroko Special Area Command in Ogun State also held an advocacy engagement with the chairman of Ipokia Local Government Area.

Marwa commended personnel from the Ogun, Apapa, Lekki, Seme, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Oyo, Kwara, Kano, Abia and FCT commands for the operations.

He urged officers to maintain what he described as a balanced drug-control strategy combining law enforcement, prevention, counselling, public enlightenment and community engagement. (NDLEA)

The latest seizures come shortly after the NDLEA publicly destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs valued at about N301.058 billion in a court-ordered exercise in Lagos. The destroyed substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, various cannabis strains, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup and other opioids. (NDLEA)

The agency has also received renewed backing from the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL). On August 20, INL Nigeria Country Director Derek Tolliver commended the NDLEA’s recent operational successes and pledged to build on the existing partnership between the two agencies. (NDLEA)

The latest operations highlight the expanding range of methods allegedly being used by trafficking networks—from hiding narcotics in legitimate maritime consignments and food products to transporting drugs through waterways and overland routes.

For the NDLEA, the interception of the Thai consignments is particularly significant because it points to a potentially new international maritime trafficking route into Nigeria, making continued intelligence sharing, port surveillance and cooperation among law-enforcement agencies increasingly important.

NDLEA uncovers new Thailand drug route, seizes N4.4bn Loud as 101-year-old woman, others arrested

Lagos Moves to Tackle Housing Deficit, Inaugurates 2026 World Habitat Day Committee

The Lagos State Government has inaugurated the planning committee for the 2026 World Habitat Day celebration, charging members to deploy their expertise and work collaboratively towards finding sustainable solutions to the state’s housing and urban development challenges.

The committee was inaugurated last Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.

Speaking at the inauguration, Wasiu described World Habitat Day as an important platform for reflecting on the state of human settlements and reaffirming the fundamental right of every individual to adequate housing.

He said the 2026 theme, “Adequate Housing for All,” was particularly relevant to Lagos, given the need for stronger and more coordinated efforts to address housing challenges and improve living conditions across the state.

The Permanent Secretary called for greater collaboration among government agencies, private sector operators, development partners and other stakeholders in the built environment, stressing that the housing challenge required a comprehensive and sustainable response.

“I want you all to bring your expertise and contribute meaningfully before, during and after the programme because Lagos is widely regarded as the pacesetter of development in Nigeria,” he said.

Wasiu further urged committee members to approach their assignments with professionalism, dedication and a strong sense of purpose, while leveraging their diverse expertise to deliver a meaningful and impactful celebration.

He said the housing deficit could no longer be addressed through fragmented interventions, noting that a holistic approach was required to bridge the existing gap.

“The housing deficit is something we have to critically and holistically address in order to bridge the existing gap,” he added.

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He explained that the Office of Physical Planning was responsible for coordinating the annual World Habitat Day observance in Lagos, adding that members of the 2026 planning committee were drawn from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to promote broad representation, inclusiveness and effective coordination.

World Habitat Day is observed globally on the first Monday of October each year to draw attention to the state of human settlements and the right to adequate shelter.

The 2026 Lagos State celebration is scheduled for Monday, October 5, at the Blue Roof, LTV Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable urban development, expanding access to adequate housing and implementing policies aimed at improving the quality of life of Lagos residents.

Lagos Moves to Tackle Housing Deficit, Inaugurates 2026 World Habitat Day Committee

ICPC uncovers alleged fake agency claiming 2017 FEC approval after nine years

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered an alleged fake government agency that operated from the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) for years while presenting itself as a properly constituted federal institution.

The organisation, identified as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, allegedly claimed that it had received Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval in 2017 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, the ICPC said its investigation found that the office was operating without presidential authorisation and contrary to extant laws, raising questions about how it secured office space within the OSGF complex and maintained an official-looking structure for years.

The development was disclosed by ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, after he briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Commission’s investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and other weaknesses in the public service.

Aliyu said the discovery of the alleged fake agency emerged from the broader investigation into how unauthorised organisations could operate within government structures.

He said the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office had been illegally allocated office space within the OSGF premises, despite allegedly lacking the required authorisation to function as a federal agency.

The Commission identified George Buchi Nwabueze as the alleged promoter of the organisation.

According to the ICPC chairman, Nwabueze allegedly operated under several variations of his name, including George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze and Prince George Buchi Nwabueze.

A profile on the organisation’s website lists Nwabueze George as its “Executive Director, National Coordinator”, further linking the individual to the organisation at the centre of the ICPC investigation.

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The organisation had built an elaborate public profile around its activities. Its website presented the office as an initiative focused on promoting Made-in-Nigeria products, supporting local industries, developing Nigerian brands and encouraging investment in domestic manufacturing.

Its stated objectives included the revival of moribund factories through investment arrangements, support for local brands, development of a national labelling and counterfeit surveillance system, and promotion of Nigerian products through trade fairs and exhibitions.

The organisation also published what it described as a “Bill for an Act to Establish the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission and for Related Matters.”

The purported legislation, identified on its website as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission Act, 2025, was presented as providing a legal framework for the establishment of a commission responsible for promoting Nigerian brands and local manufacturing.

However, the publication of the proposed bill does not, by itself, establish that the organisation had been legally created as a federal agency.

The organisation also claimed that its activities had a 2017 FEC approval.

According to information published on its website, the Federal Executive Council allegedly approved a “National Campaign to Sensitize Nigerians on the Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Products” at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on February 1, 2017.

The organisation listed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as the implementing ministry.

That claim has become one of the issues requiring verification as part of the ICPC investigation. While the organisation presents the 2017 FEC approval as part of its history, the anti-corruption agency maintains that the office was operating without the necessary presidential authorisation.

The alleged agency also established an extensive nationwide leadership structure, with national, zonal and state coordinators.

Its published structure included officials assigned to different geopolitical zones and states, creating the appearance of a federal organisation with representation across the country.

The organisation’s website also displayed official-looking green-and-white insignia bearing references to “The Presidency” and “Made in Nigeria”, further contributing to its public presentation as a government-backed initiative.

It maintained social media accounts under the handle @pmainpro on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

The ICPC is now investigating how the organisation was able to maintain such a structure and operate from government premises without being stopped earlier.

Aliyu also alleged that the organisation’s promoter may have had the suspected collaboration of some senior public servants within the OSGF.

The Commission is examining the role of officials who may have facilitated the organisation’s access to office accommodation and other government resources.

Following the ICPC briefing, President Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and directed the suspension of three permanent secretaries pending the outcome of the investigation.

The affected officials are M.S. Danjuma, Engr. Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.

The presidential action came amid a wider investigation into alleged fictitious government structures, following the earlier discovery of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The ICPC had alleged that the PFIPC was not a legitimate federal government institution despite presenting itself as one. Its alleged promoter, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is facing prosecution over allegations including forgery and impersonation.

The discovery of the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office has now widened concerns about fraudulent government structures and weaknesses in public-service oversight.

The case has raised questions about how an organisation allegedly lacking valid presidential authorisation could obtain office accommodation within the OSGF, establish a nationwide network of coordinators and maintain an official-looking online presence.

The ICPC said it had engaged officials of the OSGF to obtain additional information on how the organisation secured its accommodation and to establish the roles allegedly played by the suspended permanent secretaries and other individuals.

The Commission said its investigation would continue and that further findings would be communicated to the appropriate authorities.

For now, the alleged 2017 FEC approval, the circumstances surrounding the organisation’s occupation of government premises and the alleged involvement of public officials remain subjects of investigation.

The allegations against Nwabueze, the suspended officials and any other persons linked to the matter have not been established by a court. All individuals involved are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence.

ICPC uncovers alleged fake agency claiming 2017 FEC approval after nine years