…one of the most striking cases in the NDLEA drug arrest operations involved a nonagenarian.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times reports that a sweeping NDLEA drug arrest operation across multiple states has led to the apprehension of several suspects, including a 93-year-old great grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks nationwide.
The arrests were disclosed on Sunday in an official statement issued by the Director of Media and Advocacy of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Femi Babafemi, who detailed a series of coordinated operations targeting illicit drug supply chains across Nigeria.
93-Year-Old Suspect Arrested in Abia
One of the most striking cases in the NDLEA drug arrest operations involved a nonagenarian, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, who was apprehended on April 7, 2026, at his residence in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to the agency, a search of his home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to using cannabis since 1959 and disclosed that he ventured into the drug trade just over a year ago.
The arrest has sparked public conversation about the expanding demographic of individuals allegedly involved in narcotics distribution, highlighting the depth of the country’s drug challenge.
International Cocaine Link Uncovered in Kano
In a separate NDLEA drug arrest operation, operatives uncovered an international trafficking link following the arrest of an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The suspect was reportedly intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan via Addis Ababa. He was found in possession of 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms.
Further investigations into the case led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State. The NDLEA identified him as the alleged coordinator of the drug movement within Nigeria.
Authorities said substances including promazepam and promethazine injections were recovered from the doctor, strengthening suspicions of a broader trafficking network.
Massive Seizures Across Multiple States
Beyond these high-profile NDLEA drug arrest cases, the agency reported numerous arrests and seizures nationwide, underscoring the scale of its ongoing operations.
In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended in Sango Ota with 34 kilograms of skunk. In Imo State, a 26-year-old woman was arrested with 56.2 kilograms of the same substance.
In Niger State, operatives arrested a couple after discovering 118 kilograms of skunk concealed in their residence. Meanwhile, in Borno State, NDLEA officers intercepted a trailer transporting pharmaceutical opioids hidden among spare parts. The intercepted drugs included Rohypnol, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections.
Lagos State also recorded significant breakthroughs in the NDLEA drug arrest operations. Along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a commercial bus heading to Port Harcourt was intercepted, leading to the seizure of 15 kilograms of “Scottish Loud,” a highly potent cannabis strain, and the arrest of two suspects.
In a separate Lagos operation, officers recovered 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup from a truck in Mushin, further exposing the illegal distribution of controlled substances in the commercial hub.
Abuja Raid and Edo Mega Seizure
In the Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA operatives raided a drug joint in Abuja, arresting eight suspects and recovering over 11 kilograms of skunk.
Perhaps the largest seizure reported in the NDLEA drug arrest crackdown occurred in Edo State, where operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a staggering 7,245 kilograms of skunk concealed among cartons of beer. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The volume of drugs recovered in Edo alone signals the industrial scale at which some trafficking networks operate, raising concerns about distribution pipelines within and beyond Nigeria.
NDLEA Leadership Commends Officers
Reacting to the nationwide NDLEA drug arrest successes, the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers across various state commands for their sustained commitment.
He praised the balance between drug supply reduction and demand control strategies, emphasizing that enforcement efforts must continue alongside public awareness campaigns and rehabilitation initiatives.
The iNews Times understands that the NDLEA has intensified intelligence-driven operations in recent months as part of broader efforts to curb narcotics trafficking, which authorities say threatens public health, national security, and social stability.
As investigations continue into the suspects and their alleged networks, Nigerians await further updates on prosecutions and potential international collaborations stemming from these operations.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor developments in this evolving NDLEA drug arrest crackdown and provide verified updates to readers nationwide.
