By: Oluwakemi Kindness
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 93-year-old man and a medical doctor in a series of operations that expose the widening reach of drug trafficking across Nigeria.
The agency says the arrests followed intelligence-led raids across multiple states, revealing a network that cuts across age, class, and profession.
In Abia State, NDLEA operatives arrested 93-year-old Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu with 7.7 kilograms of skunk at his residence. The agency says he “admitted to long-term cannabis use before venturing into its sale.”
In Ogun State, a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, was arrested over his alleged role in an international cocaine trafficking syndicate.
The arrest, according to NDLEA, followed the interception of an Ivorian national at the Aminu Kano International Airport with 1.49 kilograms of cocaine bound for Milan.
Across other states including Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, Borno, Edo, Niger and Imo, the agency recorded multiple arrests and seizures.
In Edo State alone, operatives recovered over 7.2 tonnes of cannabis, while large consignments of codeine syrup and opioids were seized in Borno State.
In Niger State, a couple was arrested with 118 kilograms of skunk, while in Abuja, eight suspects were picked up during a raid on a known drug spot.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers for the operations, stating that the agency remains committed to tackling both drug supply and demand nationwide.
