NDLEA Arrests 93-Year-Old Grandfather, Doctor in Nationwide Drug Crackdown

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intensified their nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor.

In Abia State, authorities arrested a nonagenarian, identified as Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area. A search of his home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a variant of cannabis. The suspect reportedly admitted to long-term use of the substance and said he later ventured into its distribution.

In a separate operation, NDLEA officers apprehended an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while attempting to traffic cocaine. He was found carrying 82 wraps of the drug, weighing approximately 1.49 kilograms, concealed in his body.

Further investigation led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State, who was identified as a key figure coordinating the operation. Substances including promazepam and injectable drugs were recovered during his arrest.

Across the country, multiple raids resulted in significant drug seizures. In Ogun State, three suspects were arrested with 34 kilograms of skunk, while in Imo State, a female suspect was caught with over 56 kilograms of the same substance.

In Niger State, a couple was arrested after officers discovered 118 kilograms of skunk hidden in their home. Similarly, in Borno State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck carrying thousands of tablets and large quantities of codeine syrup concealed among spare parts.

In Lagos, law enforcement officers intercepted a passenger bus transporting 15 kilograms of a potent cannabis strain, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Another operation in the state uncovered over 26,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden in a truck transporting goods.

One of the largest seizures was recorded in Edo State, where authorities intercepted two trucks carrying a combined total of over 7,000 kilograms of processed cannabis concealed among cartons of beverages. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.

Additionally, several individuals were arrested during a raid on a known drug hotspot in Abuja, where over 11 kilograms of illicit substances were recovered.

The NDLEA also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns across schools, communities, and transport hubs nationwide to discourage drug use and trafficking.

Commending the efforts of officers across various state commands, the agency’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to reducing both the supply and demand for illegal drugs in Nigeria.