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  • NDLEA nabs 84 suspects, seizes 451.976kg illicit substances in Kaduna

    NDLEA nabs 84 suspects, seizes 451.976kg illicit substances in Kaduna

    In a significant operation, the Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended 84 suspects and confiscated a total of 451.976kg of illicit drugs within the region.

    The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Ibrahim Braji, made this announcement in Kaduna, revealing that these arrests and seizures occurred during the month of July.

    During this period, the command also achieved six convictions of suspects involved in illicit drug activities.

    The range of seized substances encompasses a variety of illegal drugs, including Indian Hemp, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Tramadol, and other Psychotropic substances. The overall combined weight of the confiscated drugs during this review period is reported to be 451.976kg.

    Moreover, the vigilant operatives of NDLEA discovered 90 rounds of live ammunition, live bullets of 7.62mm calibers, and a newly identified Jojef pump-action gun with the registration number 23-0174.

    The NDLEA has also been resolute in their efforts to eradicate the presence of illicit drug joints across the state.

    A commendable feat of dismantling 18 such establishments has been accomplished during the month under review.

    These locations include Kantin Agah, Hayin Dan-mani, Mando, Anguwan Dosa, Mararabar Rido, Tukur-Tukur, and Sabon Gari. Additional locations that were addressed include Palladan, Unguwar Doki, Mekera, Rigasa, Dan Daura, Karji, Ghana road, Television, Unguwar Ma’azu, Kudenden, and Jushi.

    Mr. Ibrahim Braji took the opportunity to make an appeal to parents, urging them to maintain vigilance over their children’s activities and associates. He emphasized the importance of knowing the company their children keep to prevent them from getting involved in illegal activities.

    Furthermore, Braji issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in the unlawful drug trade. He urged them to seek lawful means of livelihood and emphasized that the NDLEA remains committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who persist in illicit activities, ensuring that they face the full force of the law.

    “Grand total weight of drug seized within the period under review is 451.976kg.

    The commander also disclosed that its operatives also recovered 90 rounds of live ammunition; Live bullets 7.62mm calibres and new Jojef pump action gun with registration number 23-0174.

    “Within the month under review, 18 illicit drug joints have been dismantled across the state which included Kantin Agah, Hayin Dan-mani, Mando, Anguwan Dosa, Mararabar Rido, Tukur-Tukur and Sabon Gari.

    Others are Palladan, Unguwar Doki, Mekera, Rigasa, Dan Daura, Karji, Ghana road, Television, Unguwar Ma’azu,  Kudenden and Jushi.

    Braji appealed to parents to watch over their children and know the kind of friends they associated with at all times.

    He warned illegal drug dealers to look for better livelihood, adding that if they refused, the agency would go after them and ensure they faced full wrath of law.

  • Police seize 820 cartons of counterfeit, expired drugs in Kano

    The Kano Police Command reported on Saturday that it successfully confiscated a total of 820 cartons of suspected counterfeit and expired drugs from Malam Kato Market in Fage Local Government Area of the state.

    According to a statement released by SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the drugs were discovered in two warehouses situated within the market premises.

    The confiscated drugs encompassed a variety of items, with 514 cartons of emistxmin/emstifer syrup, 219 cartons of 5mg Lisinopril tablets, 7 cartons of 5mg amlodipine tablets, 87 cartons of 50mg atenol, 40 cartons, and 3 cartons of Frusemide injection among the seized products.

    Acting on the directive of the state Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, a team of detectives was dispatched to the scene to oversee the evacuation and recovery of the drugs.

    Subsequently, the recovered drugs were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and appropriate action.

    SP Abdullahi Kiyawa emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining public safety.

    He urged residents to promptly report any suspicious individuals or items to the police, ensuring that necessary actions can be taken to safeguard public health and well-being.

    This operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution and sale of counterfeit and expired drugs that pose significant risks to the population.

  • UK Police slams bribery charges on Diezani

    The British police have charged former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke with bribery offences.

    According to Reuters, the UK police on Tuesday said they suspected she had accepted bribes in return for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts.

    Reuters said charges against her also detail financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from high-end designer shops such as Cartier jewellery and Louis Vuitton goods.  

    The 63-year-old ex-minister served during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, from 2010 to 2015. She was the president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

    Speaking about the charges, Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) International Corruption Unit, said, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.

    “These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation.”

    The NCA said Alison-Madueke was accused of benefiting from at least £100,000 in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.

  • Military taskforce apprehends 39 suspects linked to Plateau attacks, banditry

    Over the course of one week, troops from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the military taskforce responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau, Bauchi, and Kaduna States, have apprehended 39 suspects involved in cases of banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

    According to Captain James Oya, the Media Officer of OPSH, the arrests took place between August 14 and August 21 in various locations.

    The troops, during their operations, successfully recovered illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition from the suspects. Among the detained individuals, two were long-sought individuals connected to multiple armed robberies and kidnappings. The recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action Magnum gun, an AK-47 magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm “special” ammunition, and a mobile phone.

    One of the arrested suspects was identified as both a kidnapper and an arms dealer, apprehended in Kuba village within the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau. Additionally, two members of the militia group responsible for an attack that led to the death of 21 individuals in Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau on August 10 were also among the detainees. These individuals were found to be in possession of two AK-47 rifles, seven fabricated rifles, and four pump-action cartridges.

    A drug syndicate operating in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau was also targeted in a sting operation, leading to the arrest of seven drug peddlers and the confiscation of a significant amount of drugs.

    The troops also addressed issues related to grazing, impounding 307 cows that were grazing on farmlands owned by locals in the Kubat and Mabel communities of Mangu and Bokkos local government areas, respectively.

    During the same time frame, the taskforce responded to 37 distress calls, successfully rescuing 17 kidnap victims.

    It also thwarted numerous attempts of cattle rustling and repelled attacks on vulnerable communities, with a focus on areas such as Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom in Plateau.

    Captain Oya reiterated OPSH’s dedication to reinstating sustainable peace across all parts of Plateau.

    He assured that the operation’s officers and personnel would remain swift in their response to threats against the safety and property of citizens.

    The ongoing efforts of OPSH underscore the commitment of the military to curbing criminal activities, ensuring the safety of residents, and fostering a more secure environment within the region.

  • Police neutralise 2 suspected kidnappers, rescue victim in Enugu

    The Police Command in Enugu State has neutralised two suspected kidnappers and rescued one male kidnap victim at the outskirt of Enugu metropolis.

    The Command also recovered the victim’s black-coloured Lexus 350 SUV alongside one locally made revolver gun loaded with four cartridges and another locally fabricated pistol belonging to the criminal elements.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday in Enugu.

    Ndukwe said that police operatives, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr Olasoji Akinbayo, carried out the successful operation on Aug. 20 at about 8:00 p.m. at Centenary Layout along Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway.

    He said that the police operatives were drawn from the NPF Special Forces, Awkunanaw Police Division and tactical teams of the command.

    “Following the policing thrust and renewed crime fighting impetus of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, a combined team of police operatives rescued a male kidnap victim after a gun fight with the hoodlums.

    “One of the miscreants, simply identified as “Baron”, was neutralised on the spot in the ensuing shootout, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

    “However, further manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang led to the discovery and recovery of the lifeless body of the second neutralised hoodlum.

    “The second neutralised hoodlum was simply identified as Chukwunonso a.k.a. “Nolly”, in the morning hours of Aug. 21 in a forest at the location of the gun duel,” he said.

    Ndukwe said that the two neutralised criminals had been on the watch-list of the command.

    According to him, the operational success was due to the swift response to a distress call on the kidnap of the victim along Agbani Road, Enugu, in the night.

    The police spokesman commended the operatives for quickly adapting to his newly introduced crime-fighting strategies.

    He said that the commissioner had previously tasked police officers and other personnel of the command to sustain the tempo.

    “There will be no breathing space for unrepentant criminals in the state, under his (Uzuegbu) watch as the Commissioner of Police,” he added.

  • NDLEA intercepts fake $20m on Lokoja-Abuja Highway

    A ‘Stop-and-Search’ operation by operatives of the NDLEA on the Lokoja-Abaji (FCT) Highway has yielded 20 million counterfeit dollars.

    Spokesman of the NDLEA stated on Sunday in Abuja that the fake currencies were recovered from a bus travelling from Lagos and heading to Abuja.

    He stated that the 53-year-old driver of the vehicle, Onyebuchi Nlededin, was arrested.

    Babafemi stated also that one Jude Ndubuisi (52) was arrested in a raid on Aug. 17 while in possession of 2.2kg of methamphetamine at Kabusa village, FCT.

    He added that the suspect was earlier arrested on July 7, 2022 for being in possession of 20.75kg of Indian hemp and that he was on court bail when he was nabbed for yet another drug crime.

    “Another raid on two notorious drug joints in the FCT – “Dei-Dei’’ and Tora-Bora Hills, led to the recovery of 82.8kg skunk, 1.8kg Rohypnol and 1.2kg diazepam on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

    “In Osun, NDLEA operatives destroyed clusters of Indian hemp plantations measuring about 3.5 hectares (more than 7.5 tons) at Mopatedo in Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, Aug. 19

    “Two suspects – Sunday Otogbo (40), and Peter Makra (35), were arrested inside the Indian hemp farms.

    “An additional 30kg of Indian hemp and 16.9kg of Indian hemp seeds were also recovered from the farms,’’ he stated.

    Babafemi added that three other suspects – Ndubuisi Okorie (44), Ebilima Emmanuel (38), and Okechukwu Smart (40), were arrested on Aug. 19 in connection with 168kg of Indian hemp seized from them.

    The suspects were arrested when their vehicle was intercepted on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, he stated.

    “A shipment of 6,000 capsules of tramadol, 1,200 tablets of `swinol’, 155 bottles of codeine syrup and 20 tablets s of Molly was equally seized on the same road on Sunday Aug. 13.

    “A follow-up operation at Oyigbo area of Port Harcourt, led to the arrest of the owner of the consignment, Remigius Ogechukwu (33),’’ Babafemi added.

    He stated also that a teenager, Boniface Odinakachukwu (19), was arrested with 99.4kg skunk at Isikwe Road, Achi in Oji-River Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday, Aug. 18.

    The NDLEA spokesman added that a wanted 19-year-old bandit, Aliyu Mohammed Altine, was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Illela-Sokoto Road with some wraps of skunk on Thursday, Aug. 17.

    Altine was on the wanted list of the police and has since been handed over to the police in Sokoto State for further investigation, Babafemi stated.

  • Security Threats: Nigeria’s Police Chief plans Special Intervention Squad

    The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has unveiled a strategic initiative to establish a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) aimed at addressing security challenges across the country.

    Egbetokun made this announcement during a courtesy call on Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State at the Government House on Saturday.

    Egbetokun sought the Kano state government’s support for the success of this initiative, as Kano is one of the chosen pilot states for the implementation of the Special Intervention Squad.

    He explained, “We are introducing the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to swiftly respond to crises and violent crimes in Nigeria. This dedicated squad will be readily deployable to manage these challenges.”

    The IGP emphasized that the effectiveness of the new squad hinges on the cooperation and support extended by the Kano state government.

    He assured that the squad would consist of well-trained personnel, equipped with modern facilities, and provided with adequate remuneration to effectively combat security threats.

    Addressing Governor Yusuf, Egbetokun stated, “We have selected Kano state as a pilot state for this program. The success of this initiative largely depends on the support we receive from Your Excellency. I humbly urge you to consider this as a request from the Nigerian Police to Governor Yusuf.”

    In response, Governor Yusuf praised the commitment demonstrated by the current police management in tackling challenges like banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. He commended the positive impact of effective policing in Kano state, contributing significantly to the reduction of security issues since the new administration took office.

    Yusuf reiterated the state government’s commitment to support the police in their efforts to maintain law and order. He emphasized the positive relationship between the government and police authorities, highlighting joint efforts to address various security concerns.

    The governor also called on the IGP to extend support in the state’s fight against drug abuse, armed robbery, and other criminal activities. He expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts by the police to combat kidnapping on both the state and national levels.

    The collaboration between the police and the Kano state government underscores the commitment to enhancing security and fostering peace in the region.

  • FAAN apprehends 21 touts at Lagos Airport

    FAAN apprehends 21 touts at Lagos Airport

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has successfully conducted a series of arrests at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, resulting in the capture of 21 suspects involved in various illicit activities.

    Among those apprehended were touts, illegal foreign exchange dealers, hawkers, and scavengers. Mr. Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, disclosed this information in a statement released on Sunday.

    Emphasizing the importance of creating a sanitized airport environment free from illegal activities, FAAN handed over the suspects to the Police for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

    The recent arrests are part of FAAN’s proactive approach to combat touting and other illegitimate activities within the airport premises.

    In collaboration with the Joint Monitoring Task Force (JMTF) and the Aviation Security Crime Investigation and Intelligence (AVSEC-CII) Unit, FAAN has been conducting targeted raids in recent weeks.

    These raids have led to the apprehension of not only touts but also cable thieves and other miscreants who pose a threat to airport safety and security.

    On a specific operation conducted on August 4, 2023, the JMTF and AVSEC-CII raided the ITZ 1 and 2 landside, the car parks, and the airport access roads, resulting in the capture of 21 individuals involved in various illegal activities.

    FAAN’s Director, Mr. Yakubu-Funtua, sternly warned individuals who have no legitimate business at the airport to refrain from engaging in unlawful acts, as further arrests will be made to uphold the safety and security of airport users and the airport environment.

    “The Joint Monitoring Task Force (JMTF) and the Aviation Security Crime Investigation and Intelligence (AVSEC-CII) Unit have since the past few weeks conducted raids in this regard.

    “Cable thieves and other miscreants have been apprehended in the course of these raids.

    “On Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) JMTF and AVSEC-CII raided the ITZ 1 and 2 landside, the car parks, and the airport access roads.

    “In the course of the raid, a total of 21 persons including touts, illegal foreign exchange dealers, hawkers, and scavengers were arrested.

    “The apprehended suspects have since been transferred to the Nigerian Police Force through the CII for further necessary action,” he said.

    Reaffirming FAAN’s commitment to its core values of safety, security, and passenger comfort, the director highlighted the authority’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards for the benefit of all airport users.

  • India-bound ‘couple’ excretes 184 wraps of cocaine – NDLEA

    India-bound 'couple' excretes 184 wraps of cocaine – NDLEA
    The fake couple, Kingsley and Roseline Ilonzeh ingested 184 wraps of cocaine.

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) have arrested a fake couple, Kingsley and Roseline Ilonzeh for ingesting 184 wraps of cocaine.

    The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that the suspected drug traffickers were purportedly going for medical treatment in India.

    Babafemi said that the drugs weighed 3.322Kg, while another 100 grammes of the drug was concealed in the woman’s private part.

    He said that the two suspects were intercepted at Screening Point 1, Terminal 1 of the international wing of the Lagos airport on Aug. 1, while attempting to board an Ethiopian airline flight to India.

    Babafemi further said that though their travel documents showed consistency in their names and depicted them as a couple, an NDLEA officer however, decided to subject them to a body scan.

    He said that the scan confirmed the couple ingested drugs as a result of which they were later placed on excretion observation at the agency’s facility.

    ”Their travel documents identify the man as Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi and the lady to be Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum,

    “Preliminary investigation reveals that the intending passengers are not a couple but obtained the travel documents in the same surname to beat security checks at the airport.

    “The lady later gave her real name as Ngogbike Nkechi. During interview, she confessed that she was recruited in her Church in Aba, Abia where she lives.

    “The suspect, Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum (aka Ngogbike Nkechi) states further that she is a divorcee and that Kingsley, with whom she is travelling is not her husband but connected only for the purpose of the illicit drug business trip.

    “She said that Kingsley, her arranged husband brought the pellets of cocaine to ingest her in the hotel where they both lodged in separate rooms on July, 31, ” he said.

    The NDLEA spokesperson said that after their arrest, a thorough search conducted on her led to the discovery of a big size wrap of cocaine that weighed 100 grammes which she inserted into her private part.

    He said that the suspected drug trafficker confessed that she was promised $5,000 upon successful delivery of the drug in India.

    Babafemi said that in his own statement, Kingsley, who was into clothing business in Onitsha, Anambra claimed he was promised $2,000 after a successful delivery of the drug in India.

    “A further search of the agency’s crime data base reveals that Kingsley also obtained his travel documents with fake identity for the trip.

    “Indeed, it has been established that he was arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on March 19, 2022, for ingesting 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 2.243kgs upon his arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on board an Ethiopian airline flight.

    “His travel documents then contained his real name: Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian,” he said.

    He noted that after his arrest at the Abuja airport on March 19, 2022, with another suspect, Iro Elvis Uche, who also ingested 65 wraps of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.376kgs, Uwaezuoke was subsequently arraigned.

    Babafemi said that he was arraigned before Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court Abuja with charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2022.

    He said that the suspect was eventually granted bail by the court, pending the conclusion of his trial.

    ”He is still on court bail when he was arrested at the Lagos airport for a similar offence on August 1.

    “Ilonzeh Kingsley Onyebuchi (aka Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian) excreted a total of 82 wraps of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.822kgs in five excretions.

    “Ilonzeh Roseline Nonyelum (aka Ngogbike Nkechi) ingested 101 wraps in four excretions with a big size wrap of the substance recovered from her private part, all weighing 1.50kgs,” he said.

  • Police arrest 5 suspects for various crimes in Bauchi 

    The Police Command in Bauchi State has arrested five suspects of various crimes ranging from armed robbery, burglary to phone snatching in the state 

    The Spokesperson of the command, SP Ahmed Wakil, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Bauchi.

    He said the five suspects were arrested for committing different offenses in different parts of the state.

    “Our operatives arrested 24 years old Umar Abubakar AKA (Barbertov) with a dangerous weapon, who trespassed into the victim’s house situated at Kandahar Area of Bauchi and attempted to steal the victim’s Jincheng motorcycle AX 100 model.

    “The police also arrested two suspects, all armed with Dane-gun and cutlass, who had stormed their victim’s residence on July 31 at about 2300 hrs and demanded money.

    “The command also arrested two suspects, Usman Musa, 18, aka Kan Daki of Gwallameji, and Usama Sulaiman, 18, aka Keya of Birshi Gandu for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, causing grievous hurt and receiving stolen property,” Wakil said.

    He said the command recovered exhibits that included Jincheng motorcycle AX 100 model, machetes, Dane guns, axe, knives, cutlasses, stick laptops, and different models of phones, among others.

    The Spokesperson said the investigation revealed that the suspects belonged to a notorious group that specialized in terrorising innocent citizens’ houses within Bauchi metropolis and robbing them of valuables.

    Wakil said the suspects, during the investigation, confessed to their crimes, adding that they were currently cooperating with the detectives in mentioning some of their accomplices.

    He said the suspects would be profiled and charged in court without delay.

    Wakil said the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Auwal Muhammad, lauded the efforts of the operatives for their unrelenting commitment and professionalism in discharging their statutory duties to curb all forms of criminality in the state.