NDLEA Alerts Public On Scammers Impersonating Officers

NDLEA Alerts Public On Scammers Impersonating Officers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a warning to the public regarding a new fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate NDLEA officers to deceive innocent individuals, particularly those with loved ones abroad……READ ALSO NDLEA Busts Illicit Drug Shipment Concealed in Commercial Bus Engine Compartment

Under this scheme, fraudsters contact unsuspecting citizens to falsely claim that their relatives have been arrested at international airports in Nigeria, such as the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, for possessing illicit drugs upon arrival.

After instilling panic in the victims, the scammers demand large sums of money, often millions of naira, to facilitate the release of the purportedly detained individuals from NDLEA custody.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, emphasized that the agency has thwarted numerous attempts in the past when family members contacted official NDLEA channels for assistance or verification.

Babafemi disclosed that the NDLEA recently investigated a similar incident where a Nigerian based in the US was falsely implicated in drug-related offenses. The agency confirmed that the audio recordings circulating, purportedly featuring NDLEA officers negotiating payments for release, were fabricated by scammers. The individual depicted in the audio recording was not in NDLEA custody.

The NDLEA cautioned affected family members not to succumb to the demands of fraudsters and refrain from transferring money to them.

Furthermore, the agency urged Nigerians with relatives abroad to maintain discretion regarding their travel plans to prevent criminals from exploiting such information for fraudulent activities.

Individuals facing similar challenges or seeking clarification are encouraged to contact the NDLEA through official channels provided by the agency.