NDLEA Smashes Drug Networks, Arrests Nonagenarian, Doctor in Nationwide Raids

NDLEA Smashes Drug Networks, Arrests Nonagenarian, Doctor in Nationwide Raids

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 93-year-old man, a 69-year-old medical doctor, and several other suspects in a series of coordinated nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking networks across Nigeria.

The agency said the arrests were made during intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling both local and international narcotics syndicates involved in the movement and distribution of cocaine, cannabis, and controlled pharmaceutical substances through land, air, and road routes.

In Abia State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 93-year-old suspect, identified as Pa Friday Chigbu, at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area on April 7, 2026. A search of the premises reportedly led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a strong strain of cannabis. The agency said the suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the illicit drug trade, claiming he had transitioned into drug dealing after years of menial work.

In another major breakthrough, NDLEA uncovered an international cocaine trafficking network involving an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, who was arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 1.49 kilograms of cocaine. Investigators said he had moved through Lagos and Enugu before arriving in Kano, where he was preparing to travel to Milan, Italy, for drug delivery in exchange for payment.

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Further investigations led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, identified as Dr. C. Ofomata, in Ogun State, who is alleged to have played a coordinating role in the trafficking operation. NDLEA said the suspect was later transferred for further interrogation and was found with controlled pharmaceutical substances at the point of arrest.

In Lagos, operatives intercepted a luxury bus along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway carrying 15 kilograms of Canadian Loud cannabis, concealed in compartments of the vehicle. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.

In a separate operation in Mushin, NDLEA officers intercepted a truck bound for Onitsha, Anambra State, and discovered 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup, leading to additional arrests.

The agency said these operations form part of its ongoing nationwide effort to combat drug trafficking, cannabis distribution, cocaine smuggling, and codeine abuse networks across Nigeria.

NDLEA reiterated its commitment to targeting offenders regardless of age, profession, or social status, stressing that both street-level dealers and high-level collaborators in drug cartels will be prosecuted under Nigeria’s anti-narcotics laws.

Officials added that intelligence-led enforcement remains central to disrupting trafficking routes and reducing the spread of illicit drugs across communities nationwide.

NDLEA Smashes Drug Networks, Arrests Nonagenarian, Doctor in Nationwide Raids