93-Year-Old, Doctor Nabbed As NDLEA Tightens Drug Crackdown

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor as part of intensified nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking networks and their collaborators.

According to Ireporter Online, the arrests were carried out during a series of intelligence-driven interdictions across multiple states as authorities ramped up efforts to curb the distribution and abuse of illicit substances.

In Abia State, operatives apprehended a nonagenarian, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area following a raid conducted on April 7. A search of his home reportedly led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis. The suspect was said to have disclosed that he had only recently ventured into drug trafficking after previously working as a truck pusher and later learning painting and tiling. He also admitted to a long history of cannabis use spanning several decades.

In a separate operation, officials arrested a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport during the outward clearance of passengers on an international flight. He was found to have ingested 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms, allegedly intended for delivery in Italy. Investigations indicated he had been promised a monetary reward for transporting the illicit substance.

Further intelligence gathering led to the arrest of a suspected accomplice, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State. Authorities reported recovering controlled substances, including promazepam and promethazine injections, from his possession.

The agency also recorded multiple arrests and seizures across other states. In Ogun, three suspects were apprehended with 34 kilograms of cannabis, while in Imo, a female suspect was intercepted with over 56 kilograms along a major highway. In Niger State, a couple was arrested after officers discovered 118 kilograms of cannabis concealed in their residence.

In Borno State, operatives intercepted a trailer transporting vehicle spare parts and uncovered large quantities of controlled drugs, including Rohypnol tablets, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections. The alleged owner of the consignment was subsequently taken into custody.

Similarly, in Lagos, authorities intercepted a commercial bus along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and recovered 15 kilograms of a potent cannabis strain, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Another operation in Mushin resulted in the seizure of thousands of bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden in a delivery truck.

In Edo State, officers made one of the largest seizures, intercepting two trucks carrying over seven tonnes of processed cannabis concealed within cartons of beer. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment, which was reportedly en route to Abuja.

The agency noted that its War Against Drug Abuse campaign continues nationwide, with sensitisation efforts targeting schools, communities, and transport hubs. Chairman of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the operatives for their efforts and reiterated the importance of sustaining both enforcement actions and public awareness initiatives in the fight against drug abuse.