The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor in a sweeping nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking operations.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja.
The arrests are part of a broader series of intelligence-led operations across multiple states targeting drug syndicates, couriers, and distributors involved in the illicit drug trade.
What they are saying
The agency said the arrests highlight the growing reach of its enforcement efforts, cutting across age groups and professional backgrounds. It noted that both suspects were linked to significant drug trafficking activities uncovered during recent operations.
- “A 93-year-old great grandpa and a 69-year-old medical doctor top the list of suspects arrested as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intensified their offensive action and crackdown on drug cartels and their collaborators in intelligence-led interdiction operations across the country,” the statement read in part.
- According to the NDLEA, the 93-year-old suspect, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested at his residence in Abia State, where 7.7 kilograms of skunk were recovered, and he reportedly admitted to engaging in the trade for over a year.
- The agency also disclosed that a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, was arrested in Ogun State for allegedly coordinating the movement of 1.49 kilograms of cocaine intercepted at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Further investigations revealed that the doctor played a key behind-the-scenes role in the trafficking network, with controlled substances, including promazepam and promethazine injections, recovered from his residence at the time of arrest.
More insights
The NDLEA said its operations extended across several states, leading to multiple arrests and significant drug seizures. These efforts underscore the scale and coordination of trafficking networks operating nationwide.
- In Niger State, a couple was arrested with 118 kilograms of skunk concealed in their home.
- In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended with 34 kilograms of the same substance during a raid.
- In Edo State, operatives intercepted two trucks conveying a combined 7,245 kilograms of processed cannabis hidden among cartons of beer.
- In Borno State, large quantities of codeine syrup, Rohypnol tablets, and pentazocine injections were also recovered.
The agency added that beyond enforcement, it continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign across schools, transport hubs, and communities to reduce drug demand.
What you should know
The latest crackdown comes amid intensified operations by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in recent weeks to dismantle drug networks across Nigeria, building on earlier high-profile seizures and arrests this year.
- Just last week, operatives raided a drug warehouse in Edo State, seizing 1,378 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis sativa and arresting a suspect.
- In the first quarter of 2026, the agency seized drugs worth over N1.8 billion, arrested 104 suspects, confiscated 5,825 kilogrammes of cannabis, and destroyed farms spanning five hectares, in Edo State.
- Additional interceptions included methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, psychotropic substances, and over 80 litres of codeine syrup.
- On March 29 and March 22, NDLEA arrested a Lagos drug suspect with 76.30 kilogrammes of “Ghana Loud” and intercepted over 700,000 tramadol pills across multiple states.
These developments highlight sustained pressure by authorities to disrupt drug supply chains and curb trafficking nationwide
