NDLEA Nabs Elusive Kingpin and International Traffickers in London-bound Drug Bust!

In a series of highly successful interdiction operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in its ongoing battle against drug trafficking. Among the highlights of these operations is the apprehension of a notorious drug kingpin, Obiorah Chigozie Samuel, who had long eluded the authorities.

Obiorah Chigozie Samuel had been on the agency’s wanted list since September 16, following the interception of a suspicious consignment. This 1,500kg shipment of skunk, cunningly concealed within flour bags and destined for London, was discovered at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) export section of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

Notably, his freight agent, Nworah Adaugo Precious, was apprehended at the time. However, Obiorah’s audacity led him to the precipice of capture when he personally delivered another 2,000kg of the contraband, carefully hidden within cartons, to the airport for shipment to the UK on September 28. His attempt to evade the law ended in his arrest.

In a startling confession, Obiorah disclosed his previous occupation as a shoe vendor in Lagos before transitioning into the illicit drug trade.

The NDLEA’s relentless efforts extended beyond Lagos. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a container truck registered as BD G41 XM, en route from Lagos to Kano, was intercepted. Concealed under cartons of toothpaste were a staggering 1,188 kilograms of skunk, leading to the arrest of the driver, Amafan Fattison.

Bayelsa State also witnessed significant action as NDLEA officers discovered 432 kilograms of the same illicit substance in an abandoned J5 bus along Saipem Road in Opolo, Yenagoa. The vehicle was impounded for further investigation.

In Kano, Ado Mai Unguwa, a 70-year-old grandfather, was taken into custody after being found with 143.2 kilograms of skunk in Dindere village, Tofa Local Council.

In Enugu, law enforcement officers uncovered 110.6 kilograms of the same substance concealed within a locked shop at Aria New Market.

Notorious for its drug-related activities, the Idi-Oro enclave in Mushin, Lagos, was raided by NDLEA operatives. This operation resulted in the seizure of 212.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa, property of a wanted drug lord.

Kwara State was not exempt from these successful operations, as NDLEA officers recovered 104 kilograms of skunk from a Toyota Camry vehicle in Offa.

In a separate event, a Chadian national, Mohammed Ibrahim, aged 25, was detained at the Mafa checkpoint in Borno State with 11.8 kilograms of the same illicit substance.

These meticulously executed operations span multiple Nigerian states and have led to numerous arrests, as well as the significant seizure of illicit drugs, demonstrating the NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to curbing drug trafficking and abuse in the nation.