According to Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for NDLEA, the agency successfully apprehended Ma’aruf Rabiu and Abubakar Mustapha on May 30 along the Zaria-Kano Road in Kano State. The two suspects were found in possession of 260 blocks of Indian hemp, weighing approximately 39.4kg.
In a separate operation on May 31, Auwal Ibrahim was apprehended on the Kaduna-Abuja Road, with 38kg of Indian hemp seized from his possession. Additionally, a female suspect named Bilkisu Isiya, aged 35, was arrested in Birnin Yero, Kaduna, on the same day, carrying 5.6kg of Indian hemp.
In a separate operation in Borno, a 27-year-old suspect identified as Alhaji Abubakar was arrested at the Njimtilo checkpoint. The authorities discovered 4,200 ampoules of Pentazocine injection, as well as various quantities of psychotropic D5 and exol-5 tablets in his possession.
Turning our attention to Oyo State, a 30-year-old suspect named Iroko Wasiu was apprehended at a drug joint located at Sabo Aba-Owolowo on the Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway. The NDLEA seized 31.2kg of cannabis from his possession. Additionally, two other suspects, Deji Adelabu, aged 35, and Mutiu Salau, aged 37, were arrested separately on May 31. Adelabu was apprehended in the Sabo area on the Oyo-Ogbomoso Road, while Salau was nabbed in the Awuro Dada area of Orire Local Government Area. The combined weight of Indian hemp found on the two suspects was 8kg.
These operations demonstrate the relentless efforts of the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. The agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, emphasized the commitment of the NDLEA to rid the country of illicit drugs and praised the collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies and the military.
The recovered drugs, including Indian hemp, skunk, and various psychotropic substances, have significant street value and would have had a detrimental impact on individuals and communities if they had reached the market. The NDLEA's proactive measures have undoubtedly disrupted the supply chain and dealt a blow to criminal networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
The agency continues to intensify its efforts, employing various strategies, intelligence gathering, and coordinated operations to apprehend individuals involved in drug trafficking and dismantle their networks. The NDLEA is also focused on raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction, working towards prevention and rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of drug-related issues in the country.
The successful operations in Kano, Kaduna, Borno, and Oyo states send a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Nigeria. The NDLEA remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the well-being of the citizens and create a drug-free society.
As investigations continue, the arrested suspects will face the full weight of the law, and the seized illicit drugs will be used as evidence in their prosecution. The NDLEA's efforts serve as a deterrent to potential drug traffickers and reinforce the message that drug abuse and trafficking will have severe consequences.
The agency urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking to the appropriate authorities. With the collective effort of the public, law enforcement agencies, and the NDLEA, Nigeria can make significant strides in curbing drug abuse and protecting its citizens from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.
The NDLEA remains committed to its mandate of ensuring a drug-free Nigeria and will continue to collaborate with national and international partners to combat drug trafficking and abuse. Through effective enforcement, public education, and rehabilitation programs, the agency aims to create a safer and healthier future for all Nigerians.