By Chinenye Onwusonye
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor in a sweeping nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, and dated April 12, 2026.
According to the agency, the nonagenarian suspect, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested on April 7 at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, where 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, were recovered. The suspect reportedly admitted to engaging in the illicit drug trade for over a year.
In a related operation, NDLEA operatives arrested an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 1.49 kilograms of cocaine concealed in 82 wraps. Investigations later led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State, identified as a key figure coordinating the trafficking operation. Recovered items from the doctor included controlled substances.
The agency said multiple arrests and seizures were recorded across several states. In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended with 34 kilograms of skunk, while a female suspect was arrested in Imo State with over 56 kilograms of the same substance.
In Niger State, a couple was arrested after 118 kilograms of skunk were discovered in their home, while in Borno State, NDLEA officers intercepted a consignment of narcotics, including thousands of tablets of Rohypnol and large quantities of codeine syrup and injectable opioids concealed in a trailer.
In Lagos, operatives intercepted a commercial bus conveying 15 kilograms of a strong cannabis strain known as “Scottish Loud,” leading to the arrest of two suspects. Another operation in the state resulted in the seizure of 26,800 bottles of codeine syrup and the arrest of two individuals.
In the Federal Capital Territory, eight suspects were arrested during a raid on a notorious drug hub, with over 11 kilograms of skunk recovered.
The agency also recorded one of its largest seizures in Edo State, where operatives intercepted two trucks conveying a total of 7,245 kilograms of skunk concealed among legitimate goods. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the haul.
The NDLEA noted that its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign continued nationwide, with sensitisation programmes held in schools, motor parks, and religious institutions.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers across various commands for their efforts, urging sustained momentum in both drug supply reduction and public awareness campaigns.
