April 12, 2026
SUNTV Global Channel | Crime
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 93-year-old man, a 69-year-old medical doctor, and several other suspects in a sweeping nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking.
The operations, described as intelligence-led, were carried out across multiple states including Abia, Kano, Ogun, Niger, Borno, Lagos, Imo, Edo, and the Federal Capital Territory, leading to significant seizures of illicit drugs.
In Abia State, a nonagenarian identified as Friday Ahukanna Chigbu was arrested at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area. NDLEA officials said a search of his home uncovered 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.
According to the agency, the suspect admitted to long-term drug use dating back to 1959 and claimed he ventured into the illicit trade over a year ago after working as a labourer and artisan.
In a separate operation, an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, was arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while attempting to traffic cocaine to Italy.
NDLEA revealed that the suspect had ingested the drug consignment after traveling between Lagos, Enugu, and Kano, and was expected to earn €5,000 upon successful delivery in Milan.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State. Authorities described him as a key figure linked to the trafficking network.
Recovered items from the doctor included controlled substances such as promazepam and promethazine injections.
In Niger State, a couple—Abdullahi Umar and his wife Adama Umar—were arrested after NDLEA operatives discovered 118 kilograms of skunk hidden in their kitchen.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, officials intercepted a trailer transporting vehicle spare parts and uncovered large quantities of controlled drugs, including Rohypnol tablets, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections. The owner of the consignment, Eleje Ibeabuchi, was subsequently arrested.
The agency confirmed that additional operations in Lagos, Imo, Edo, and Abuja also resulted in further arrests and seizures.
The crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that authorities have vowed to sustain the momentum as Nigeria intensifies its fight against drug-related crimes and illicit substance distribution.
