NDLEA seizes another 175,000 bottles of codeine from India - Newstrends
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NDLEA seizes another 175,000 bottles of codeine from India

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NDLEA seizes another 175,000 bottles of codeine from India

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has again intercepted another consignment of 175,000 bottles of the codeine-based syrup imported from India at the Port Harcourt Port Complex in Onne, Rivers State.

Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement on Sunday, June 9, pointed out that this comes barely a week after another shipment of 175, 000 bottles of the same drug was seized at the same port.

Babafemi said the two seizures followed earlier intelligence, which made the agency to request that the shipment be stepped down for 100 percent examination.

He said the latest seizure of 875 cartons of codeine containing 175,000 bottles and weighing 26,250kg, was made on Friday 7th June 2024 during a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs Service and other security agencies.

Babafemi said the container marked HASU 4787890 from India was enroute C to C bonded terminal in Enugu.

The statement indicated that in the same vein, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) on Wednesday 5th June intercepted five different parcels containing illicit drugs concealed in ladies’ clothes and synthetic hair going to the United States and United Kingdom.

The statement reads, “Some of the seized drugs include 620 ampoules of pentazocine injection, promethazine and other opioids. The drug consignments were seized at a courier firm in  Lagos.

“In Kebbi state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Kalgo-Birnin Kebbi road on Saturday 8th June arrested a 32-year-old Nigerien, Hassan Mummuni with 4,000 pills of diazepam and 1.250kg cannabis, concealed in four pesticide tanks, while operatives in Gombe state same day arrested Ibrahim Abubakar (aka Alhajiji) at Herwagana, with 6,740 pills of tramadol and 20,000 tablets of diazepam.

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“Not less than 1,098 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a suspect, Onyekachi ThankGod Iwula, 42, following his arrest in a commercial bus at Aloma junction, Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue state.

“In Bauchi state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Ningi-Kano road on Wednesday 5th June arrested a 20-year-old lady, Hasana Usman, with 25 blocks of cannabis sativa that weighed 28.2kg, while their counterparts in Yobe state nabbed Ali Mohammed, 42, along Kano-Potiskum road,  with 19,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in a black sack and the suspect’s travelling bag.

“In Oyo state, 57-year-old Oladimeji Samson was arrested in a commercial bus at the Ibadan end, of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with 79 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing of 44.4kg and 48 grams of ecstasy, all concealed in the engine compartment under the driver’s seat of the bus.

“Not less than 17,980 pills of tramadol and other opioids were seized from a suspect, Ali Isiaka Mohammed, 36, following his arrest at Ganaja village, Lokoja LGA, Kogi state, while the duo of Blessing Samuel, 35, and Unnanchi Mike, 34, were arrested with 804 bottles of codeine syrup at Narayi, Kaduna state. Also in Kaduna, Tijjani Umar, 37, and Yahaya Suleman, 35, were arrested with 33.9 kilograms of cannabis sativa at Lafiya area, Kudan local government area of the state.”

Babafemi said at least, nine suspects including Salisu Sanda, 48, and James Andrew, 25, were arrested by NDLEA operatives during a raid at Toaabora hills area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Saturday 8th June with a total of 83.01kg cannabis recovered from them.

He said with the same drive, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

“These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for students and teachers of Dibal Progressive Academy, Kano; students of Muslim Comprehensive High School, Saki, Oyo state; students and staff of St. David Grammar School, Ile-Ife, Osun state;  students of Wisdom Rules College, Ukpakiri, Abia state; traditional rulers and community leaders in Ilorin, Kwara state as well as a WADA advocacy visit to the Cross River state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.

“While commending the officers and men of PHPC, Gombe, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Oyo, Yobe, Bauchi, Kebbi and FCT Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) noted their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain the zeal and tempo,” he said.

NDLEA seizes another 175,000 bottles of codeine from India

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Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack

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Olabisi Onabanjo University

Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack

Suspected armed robbers have invaded student hostels at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ibogun Campus, Ogun State, in a violent midnight attack that left several students injured and triggered widespread panic across the university community.

The attack, which reportedly began around midnight and lasted into the early hours of Saturday, saw more than 12 armed men storm multiple hostels, firing shots sporadically and dispossessing students of valuables including phones, laptops, and cash.

Eyewitness accounts and student testimonies shared online indicated that the attackers operated for several minutes without immediate resistance, causing chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the gunfire. An X user, identified as Michael Mabayomije, said the gunmen moved from room to room during the raid, forcing students to surrender their belongings while firing shots into the air to scare victims.

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Some students reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to escape, while others were traumatised by the intensity of the attack. Residents described scenes of panic and confusion following the incident, with reports indicating that blood stains believed to be from injured victims were seen on walls and floors of some affected hostels. The attack left the campus environment tense, with students expressing fears over repeated security breaches in the area.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced immediately after receiving reports of the attack. Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Divisional Police Officer of Ibogun Division and the Area Commander were deployed to the scene to assess the situation and restore confidence among students and residents.

Security patrols have since been intensified around the campus and surrounding communities as part of efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further incidents.

The attack has renewed concerns over student safety in Nigerian tertiary institutions, particularly in satellite campuses and rural areas where security coverage is often limited. Students and residents are calling for improved security measures, including increased night patrols, better surveillance, and stronger collaboration between university authorities and security agencies.

Gunmen Invade OOU Hostels, Injure Students in Midnight Robbery Attack

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Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition

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Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu
Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu

Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid reports that his decision went against the initial wishes of the President, who allegedly attempted to dissuade him from stepping down. Multiple Presidency insiders said Adelabu insisted on leaving office to focus on his Oyo State governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite efforts within the Villa to retain him in the federal cabinet.

Tinubu Reportedly Tried to Stop Adelabu’s Exit

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reluctant to accept Adelabu’s resignation, given his role in ongoing power sector reforms. According to insiders, the President had even delayed meetings with the minister for weeks in an effort to prevent an immediate resignation and had sent emissaries to discourage him from quitting.

However, when both men eventually met at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reportedly questioned Adelabu’s chances of winning the APC governorship ticket in Oyo State. The President was said to have asked whether he was confident of securing victory, to which Adelabu reportedly replied affirmatively. Following the exchange, Tinubu allegedly wished him well in his political ambition.

Delayed Exit Beyond Presidential Deadline

Adelabu officially submitted his resignation in a letter dated April 22, 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. His exit came 22 days after the March 31 deadline earlier issued by the Presidency for political appointees intending to contest in the 2027 elections.

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While several ministers complied with the directive, Adelabu’s late resignation triggered speculation of internal negotiations and possible resistance within government circles. However, Presidency sources clarified that the deadline was administrative rather than strictly legal, noting that the Electoral Act 2026 allows resignation ahead of party primaries.

Possible Elevation to Finance Ministry Role

Further revelations suggest that Tinubu had considered Adelabu for a possible appointment as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, following the exit of Wale Edun. This potential promotion, insiders said, contributed to the President’s preference that Adelabu remain in the cabinet.

Power Sector Performance and Presidential Support

Despite public criticism over Nigeria’s electricity crisis, grid collapses, and tariff increases, sources said Tinubu consistently defended Adelabu’s performance. The President reportedly viewed the challenges in the Nigerian power sector as structural issues rather than personal failures of the minister.

Camp Claims Resignation Was Approved

Contrary to reports suggesting a fallout, Adelabu’s aides insist the resignation was mutually understood and not a confrontation with the Presidency. His media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the former minister enjoys Tinubu’s support and had secured his approval before resigning.

He also referenced Adelabu’s past voluntary resignation from the Central Bank of Nigeria as evidence of his long-standing pattern of stepping down for personal convictions.

Focus Shifts to Oyo Governorship Race

Adelabu, a former governorship candidate in Oyo State, has now fully returned to state politics, declaring his intention to contest again in 2027. His resignation becomes effective April 30, 2026, allowing for a transition period at the Ministry of Power.

However, political dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-West are already shifting, with stakeholders reportedly considering other consensus candidates for Oyo State.

 

Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition

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Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo

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Nigerian Army, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew
Nigerian Army, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew

Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo

The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing security operations in the South-East, dismantling a suspected camp linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.

During the operation, troops recovered what are believed to be the remains of two soldiers who were abducted and killed in 2022.

The military operation in Imo State was carried out on Thursday, April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha–Orsu axis in Orsu Local Government Area by troops of the 82 Division. The mission formed part of a broader strategy to crack down on IPOB/ESN hideouts and restore stability across the South-East.

According to an official statement released on Saturday, the operation was intelligence-led and specifically aimed at locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew. The couple was abducted and murdered in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.

The Army disclosed that troops encountered heavy resistance as they advanced toward the suspected camp.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals,” the statement read.

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Despite the ambush, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling multiple assaults and forcing the gunmen to flee.

The Army described the encounter as further evidence of the group’s continued attacks on both civilians and security personnel in the region.

Following the successful clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to a grim discovery—shallow graves suspected to contain human remains.

The graves were carefully excavated, and remains recovered, which are believed to be those of the slain military couple.

The Army confirmed that the remains have been secured for forensic analysis and DNA testing to conclusively establish their identities. It also stated that efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and dignified burial arrangements.

The military emphasized that the operation highlights its unwavering commitment to justice for fallen soldiers and the continued dismantling of criminal networks linked to IPOB/ESN in the South-East.

It further noted that the discovery of shallow graves within the camp underscores what it described as the group’s “heinous atrocities and disregard for human life.”

The Army reassured Nigerians that operations would continue until all criminal elements are neutralized and lasting peace in the South-East is achieved.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts.

Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo

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