NDLEA Dismantles Meth Lab, Arrests Long‑Wanted Drug Kingpin in Imo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine (meth) laboratory in Isiozi Obiato, Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, seizing 18.4 kilograms of meth, precursor chemicals, and production equipment used for illegal drug manufacturing.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, also led to the arrest of Reginald Peter Chidiebere, a notorious drug kingpin who had been hiding for 13 years after jumping bail in a 2013 cocaine trafficking case. NDLEA officials confirmed that Chidiebere was linked to large-scale trafficking of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, and his arrest is a significant blow to organised drug networks in Nigeria.

NDLEA stated that the meth lab discovered in Umuaka was sophisticated, equipped with machinery and chemicals capable of high-volume production. Officers also recovered documentation, mobile phones, and other items used to facilitate drug operations and distribution.

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Chidiebere’s criminal record spans over a decade. He was first arrested in 2013 for importing cocaine into Nigeria and later granted bail by the Federal High Court in Lagos, but he vanished shortly thereafter. His name resurfaced in February 2024 when linked to the importation of 49.70 kilograms of heroin from South Africa, intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. A follow-up raid later that month yielded an additional 2.20 kilograms of heroin from one of his associates.

NDLEA further revealed that the agency obtained an interim forfeiture order, freezing Chidiebere’s hotel property and bank accounts tied to his illicit activities. Faced with mounting pressure, Chidiebere surrendered on February 13, 2026, and is now in custody to face both pending charges from 2013 and fresh counts related to the 2024 heroin consignments.

The NDLEA emphasised that the arrest and laboratory dismantling underscore its commitment to eradicating drug trafficking, protecting Nigerian youth, and dismantling organised criminal networks. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), NDLEA Chairman, praised the officers for their professionalism and resilience, vowing that such operations would continue nationwide.

Community leaders in Umuaka applauded the operation, noting that the bust would reduce the circulation of dangerous narcotics and boost public confidence in law enforcement. NDLEA called on citizens to report suspicious drug-related activities and support efforts to combat illegal substances across the country.

NDLEA Dismantles Meth Lab, Arrests Long‑Wanted Drug Kingpin in Imo

Military Kills Boko Haram/ISWAP Insurgents, Recovers Weapons, Armed Drone in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have inflicted a significant blow on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, killing multiple insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), AK-47 rifles, anti-aircraft guns, ammunition, and an armed drone, during coordinated attacks on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).

The assaults targeted FOBs at Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram between the late hours of February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026, military sources said. The operation underscores the growing pressure on insurgent enclaves, supply lines, and command structures as troops continue to secure communities in Northeast Nigeria.

A gallant officer paid the ultimate price during the assault at FOB Mayanti in Bama Local Government Area, while troops successfully repelled heavily armed insurgents. According to Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of JTF North East, troops demonstrated resilience and battlefield dominance, foiling coordinated attacks that threatened civilian and military positions.

In Mayanti, soldiers held their ground against intense enemy fire, ambushes, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The military confirmed the deaths of several insurgents and recovered three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG bombs, and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition, with signs of additional enemy casualties.

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At Gajiram, insurgents armed with PKT guns, RPGs, and an armed drone were repelled. Three insurgent bodies were recovered along withdrawal routes, alongside four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally fabricated mortar bombs, one armed drone, six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines, barbed wire cutters, poisoned arrows, and other abandoned items.

Across Sector II, troops engaged insurgents at Kayawa Village, forcing them to flee and abandon a tricycle, three motorcycles, and five bicycles. Two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested, and life-support structures for insurgents were destroyed. In ambushes at Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba LGA, two terrorists were neutralized, with additional weapons, including AK-47 rifles and magazines, recovered.

The operation comes amid intensified military campaigns against Boko Haram and ISWAP, including targeted airstrikes in the Sambisa Forest, where key commanders and logistics hubs have reportedly been destroyed. Security officials emphasize that these sustained operations aim to deny terrorists freedom of movement, disrupt supply chains, and protect vulnerable communities in Borno and neighbouring states.

Local communities praised the troops’ bravery, with residents saying the offensive had boosted public confidence and reduced the threat of insurgent attacks. Military officials urged civilians to continue cooperating with security agencies, reporting suspicious activities and abandoned camps.

Military Kills Boko Haram/ISWAP Insurgents, Recovers Weapons, Armed Drone in Borno

ICPC Says It Found Wiretapping Devices in El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it recovered alleged wiretapping equipment, electronic surveillance devices, and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai, as investigations into corruption allegations against him deepen.

The anti-graft agency disclosed that the items were recovered during a court-approved search operation carried out at el-Rufai’s home in the Asokoro district of Abuja, adding that the materials retrieved were capable of compromising national security.

According to the ICPC, the search was conducted in the presence of el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, following the execution of a duly signed search warrant.

The commission also confirmed that it obtained a 14-day remand order from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, allowing it to lawfully detain the former governor while investigations continue. The detention order is expected to lapse on March 5, 2026.

Reacting to claims of unlawful detention, the ICPC denied allegations of harassment, intimidation, or repression, insisting that el-Rufai is being held strictly in accordance with due process and within the limits of the law.

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The commission told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that el-Rufai has refused to cooperate with investigators, choosing to exercise his right to silence until arraigned before a court. It said the former governor declined to grant consent for forensic access to the seized electronic devices allegedly capable of intercepting phone conversations.

The ICPC further alleged that el-Rufai had publicly admitted on Arise Television to tapping telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, an admission it said formed part of its ongoing investigation.

In court documents, the anti-corruption agency revealed that an aide linked to the investigation has fled Nigeria, while another potential prosecution witness has written to the commission seeking protection over alleged threats connected to the case.

The ICPC listed several major corruption allegations against el-Rufai, including questions surrounding the whereabouts of €1.4 million, 180 suspicious transactions totalling ₦2.15 billion, transfers to undisclosed accounts amounting to ₦428.1 million, and alleged diversion of public revenue through failure to remit funds into the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Other allegations include the use of a debit card linked to a government revenue account with transactions exceeding ₦721 million, diversion of funds to individuals and companies amounting to ₦393.7 million, and alleged violations of Kaduna State’s financial and procurement laws during his administration.

The petition against the former governor also raised concerns about Kaduna State’s debt profile, alleging domestic loans of nearly ₦99 billion and foreign loans exceeding $7.3 billion, with claims that several projects were abandoned despite full payment to contractors.

The commission said it would file formal charges against el-Rufai before the expiration of the remand order, stressing that prosecution can only commence after investigations are concluded and that the matter is being handled in the public interest.

El-Rufai, however, has denied the allegations, claiming he is being targeted for political reasons. In a sworn statement, he said he is a senior member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and described the probe as political persecution, insisting that he would only respond to the allegations in a court of law.

ICPC Says It Found Wiretapping Devices in El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence