Drug Crackdown: NDLEA arrests 93-year-old grandpa, 69-year-old doctor
A 93-year-old great grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor have been arrested in sweeping nationwide operations by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as authorities intensify a crackdown on cocaine and cannabis trafficking networks.
The arrests, which cut across multiple states, underscore what the agency described as a renewed offensive against drug cartels and their local and international collaborators.
In Abia State, NDLEA operatives arrested the nonagenarian, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, at his residence in Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma Local Government Area, where 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, were recovered during a search.
The suspect reportedly confessed to engaging in the illicit trade for over a year, claiming he had been a long-time user of the substance before venturing into its distribution.
Describing the development as alarming, NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the agency remains resolute in ensuring that no individual, regardless of age or status, is shielded from the law.
“The arrest of a 93-year-old suspect sends a strong message that involvement in illicit drug trade has consequences, regardless of age or social standing,” Babafemi stated.
In a related operation, NDLEA operatives uncovered an international drug trafficking link following the arrest of an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, with 1.49 kilograms of cocaine concealed in 82 wraps.
Further intelligence-led investigations led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State, identified as the alleged mastermind coordinating the movement of the cocaine consignment.
Babafemi said the case highlights the growing sophistication of drug trafficking networks and the involvement of professionals in the illicit trade.
“What we are seeing is a disturbing trend where individuals in respected professions are now actively participating in drug trafficking networks. This will not be tolerated,” he said.
Additional operations across the country led to multiple arrests and significant seizures. In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended with 34 kilograms of skunk, while another 56.2 kilograms were recovered from a female suspect in Imo State.
In Niger State, a couple was arrested after 118 kilograms of skunk were discovered in their residence, while in Borno State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a trailer conveying large quantities of controlled substances, including Rohypnol tablets, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections.
In Lagos, operatives intercepted 15 kilograms of “Scottish Loud,” a strong cannabis variant, concealed in a commercial bus heading to Rivers State. A separate operation in the Mushin area led to the seizure of 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
A raid of a notorious drug joint in Abuja resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of over 11 kilograms of skunk
In one of the largest seizures recorded during the week, NDLEA operatives in Edo State intercepted two trucks conveying a combined 7,245 kilograms of skunk concealed among cartons of beer, leading to the arrest of five suspects.
Commending officers involved in the operations, Babafemi said the agency remains committed to sustaining the momentum in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
“Our officers across commands have demonstrated exceptional vigilance and professionalism. We will continue to strike a balance between reducing drug supply and intensifying preventive education under our War Against Drug Abuse campaign,” he said.
He added that the agency’s nationwide sensitisation efforts are ongoing, targeting schools, transport hubs, and communities to curb drug demand.
“Beyond enforcement, we are scaling up advocacy because prevention is just as critical as interdiction in winning the war against drug abuse,” Babafemi added.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug networks and bringing perpetrators to justice, warning that the net is tightening around traffickers operating within and outside Nigeria.
