Nigeria: NDLEA sweeps across Nigeria: 93-year-old man, doctor arrested in major drug crackdown

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have carried out a sweeping nationwide operation, leading to the arrest of several suspected drug traffickers — including a 93-year-old man and a medical doctor.

The agency described the operation as intelligence-driven, targeting drug networks across multiple states in Nigeria.

One of the most surprising arrests took place in Abia State, where a 93-year-old man, identified as Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was apprehended at his residence. 

Authorities said they recovered 7.7 kilograms of skunk from him. He reportedly admitted to long-term drug use before eventually becoming involved in selling the substance.

At the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, NDLEA officers intercepted an Ivorian national with cocaine. That arrest led to further investigations, which resulted in the capture of a 69-year-old doctor, Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State, where more drugs were recovered.

The crackdown extended to several other states. In Ogun, three suspects were arrested with large quantities of skunk, while in Imo State, a woman was caught with over 56 kilograms of the same substance.

In Niger State, a couple was arrested after officers discovered 118 kilograms of skunk in their home. Meanwhile, in Borno State, authorities intercepted significant quantities of Rohypnol, codeine syrup, and other drugs, leading to additional arrests

The operations also reached Lagos State, where officers seized 15 kilograms of a strong strain of cannabis known as “Loud” from a commercial vehicle. In a separate raid, they recovered tens of thousands of bottles of codeine syrup and arrested several suspects.

In the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a raid led to the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of more drugs. Similarly, in Edo State, two trucks carrying over 7,000 kilograms of skunk were intercepted, with multiple suspects taken into custody.

Beyond arrests, the agency says it is continuing its War Against Drug Abuse campaign, focusing on educating communities and young people about the dangers of drug use.

Chairman of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised officers involved in the operations for their efforts, noting that the fight against drug trafficking remains a top priority.

The widespread arrests highlight the scale of drug-related activities across the country, as well as ongoing efforts by authorities to curb the growing problem.