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NDLEA uncovers drugs hidden in frozen snails, others bound for UK, US, DRC

Published

2 months ago

October 19, 2025

NDLEA uncovers drugs hidden in frozen snails, others bound for UK, US, DRC

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has foiled several attempts to smuggle hard drugs cleverly concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs and women’s clothing, destined for the United States, the United Kingdom and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The operations, carried out at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a courier company in Lagos, led to the arrest of two suspects.

One of the suspects, cargo agent Boladale Riliwan, was apprehended on October 7 after NDLEA operatives discovered 15 parcels of skunk — a potent strain of cannabis — hidden inside 10 giant rechargeable bulbs meant for export to the DRC.

Five days later, on October 12, Olawale Oyebola Hakeemot, a 48-year-old UK-based public health assistant, was intercepted at Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport while attempting to board a flight to Manchester. A search of her luggage revealed 2,300 tablets of tramadol (225mg) concealed in frozen snails.

A similar attempt was foiled on October 16 when 810 bromazepam tablets were discovered hidden inside women’s clothing intended for export to the United States.

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In a separate operation in Adamawa State, NDLEA officers arrested Bello Buba at a checkpoint in Yola South after finding 38,270 tramadol tablets concealed in the spare tyre, boot and door panels of his vehicle. The drugs were said to have been transported from the Benin Republic.

The agency also destroyed over 53,000 kilograms of cannabis cultivated on more than 21 hectares of farmland in Ekiti State. An additional 1,140 kilograms of cannabis were seized during operations in Ekiti and Ondo States, leading to multiple arrests of suspects aged between 20 and 27.

Further recoveries were made in Oyo, Ogun, Imo and Enugu States, where various suspects were caught with large quantities of skunk and opioids. In Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested a Mushin resident with 117 kilograms of skunk, while a joint operation with Customs at Apapa Port intercepted 80,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup imported from India.

Commending the officers, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded their vigilance and professionalism, urging them to sustain the agency’s balanced approach to drug control — combining strict enforcement with public education.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which continues to sensitise schools, workplaces and communities nationwide on the dangers of illicit drug use.

NDLEA uncovers drugs hidden in frozen snails, others bound for UK, US, DRC

Related Topics:DRC frozen snails NDLEA UK US

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.