NDLEA Nabs Major Drûg Kingpin Supplying Bándits in Niger State

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of a significant drug trafficker allegedly supplying illicit substances to armed bandits in Niger State. This arrest is part of a broader nationwide operation that resulted in multiple seizures and detentions.

The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Mohammed Sani, also known as Gamboli, was captured at his hideout in the Anguwan Fadama area of Kuta, Shiroro Local Government Area. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Sani is accused of being a primary distributor of drugs to bandits operating in Shiroro and surrounding communities, thereby fueling their criminal activities.

His arrest followed a three-week manhunt. Sani had initially evaded capture during a November 20 raid on his residence, where operatives recovered 471.8 kilograms of skunk. Persistent intelligence-led surveillance eventually located him at a drug joint, where he was apprehended without incident.

Nationwide Crackdown: Major Seizures Across States
The agency’s operations extended across the country, yielding significant results:

· Abia State: A clandestine codeine syrup factory was uncovered in Osisioma LGA, leading to the seizure of over 9,000 bottles, weighing more than 1,150 kilograms.
· Enugu State: Multiple suspects were arrested on major highways with large consignments of skunk.
· Oyo State: Raids on known drug joints resulted in seizures of skunk, synthetic cannabis, and methamphetamine.
· Lagos State: Operatives intercepted 50,000 tramadol pills at a Badagry checkpoint. Additional drug consignments were also seized at courier facilities and the Apapa seaport.
· Other States: Further arrests and seizures of tramadol, skunk, and cannabis seeds, amounting to several tonnes, were recorded in Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and Gombe states.

The NDLEA stated that these coordinated operations underscore its intensified efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks, particularly those with suspected links to violent crimes and insecurity plaguing various regions of Nigeria.