Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intensified their nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks, arresting a 93-year-old man, a 69-year-old medical doctor, and several other suspects in coordinated intelligence-led operations across multiple states.
The agency disclosed that the nonagenarian, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was apprehended at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State on April 7, 2026.
A search of his home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. The suspect reportedly admitted to engaging in the illicit drug trade for over a year after decades of personal use.
In a related development, NDLEA operatives uncovered an international drug trafficking network following the arrest of an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
He was found in possession of 1.49 kilograms of cocaine concealed in 82 wraps during an attempt to board a flight to Milan via Addis Ababa.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State.
Authorities identified him as a key figure coordinating the operation. Items recovered from him include 63 grams of promazepam and several ampoules of promethazine injection.
In Ogun State, three suspects were arrested with 34 kilograms of skunk during a raid in Sango Ota, while another 56.2 kilograms were seized from a female suspect along the Onitsha-Owerri road in Imo State.
NDLEA operatives in Niger State also arrested a couple, Abdullahi Umar and his wife Adama, after 118 kilograms of skunk were discovered in their residence in Lapai Local Government Area.
In Borno State, officers intercepted a trailer conveying illicit substances, including 42,290 tablets of Rohypnol, 82,700 millilitres of codeine syrup, and 10,000 millilitres of pentazocine injection. A suspect linked to the consignment was later apprehended.
Similarly, in Lagos, operatives intercepted a commercial bus transporting 15 kilograms of cannabis concealed in a compartment, leading to the arrest of two suspects. In a separate operation in Mushin, a truck loaded with 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup was seized, with two individuals taken into custody.
In the Federal Capital Territory, eight suspects were arrested during a raid on a notorious drug hotspot, where over 11 kilograms of skunk were recovered.
A major seizure was recorded in Edo State, where two trucks carrying a combined total of 7,245 kilograms of skunk hidden among cartons of beer were intercepted. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment, which was reportedly en route to Abuja.
Meanwhile, the agency said its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued nationwide, with sensitisation programmes held in schools and public spaces across several states.
NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers across the affected commands for their efforts, urging continued balance between drug supply reduction and demand reduction initiatives.
The statement was signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on April 12, 2026.