Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor as part of a series of intelligence-led operations targeting drug trafficking networks across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the 93-year-old suspect, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested at his residence in Abia State. A search of his home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a strong strain of cannabis.
According to NDLEA, the nonagenarian admitted he ventured into the illicit drug trade about a year ago after previously working as a truck pusher and later learning painting and tiling. He also claimed to have been using cannabis since 1959.
In a separate operation, a medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, was arrested in Ogun State for allegedly masterminding a transnational drug trafficking operation. His arrest followed the earlier apprehension of a 41-year-old Ivorian national at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, where 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49kg were discovered.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had ingested the drugs and was preparing to transport them to Milan via Addis Ababa. NDLEA said the doctor was identified as the coordinator behind the operation and was later tracked to his residence, where additional substances were recovered.
The agency also carried out multiple raids across the country. In Ogun State, three suspects were arrested with 34 kilograms of skunk, while in Imo State, a 26-year-old woman was caught with 56.2 kilograms of the same substance along the Onitsha–Owerri road.
In Niger State, a couple was arrested after 118 kilograms of skunk were discovered in their home, while in Borno State, NDLEA officers intercepted a large consignment of drugs, including Rohypnol tablets, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections concealed in a trailer transporting spare parts.
Similarly, in Lagos, operatives intercepted a commercial bus along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and recovered 15 kilograms of “Scottish Loud,” another potent cannabis strain. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The NDLEA said the operations reflect its continued commitment to dismantling drug networks and curbing the spread of illicit substances across the country.
