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NDLEA smashes cross-border drug syndicates, arrests 6 kingpins, recovers cocaine, opioids


. Lekki software engineer, Chadian, others nabbed over tons of illicit drugs seized in Lagos, FCT, Taraba, Kwara, Plateau, Kano, KadunAfter months of intelligence gathering and painstaking surveillance, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have smashed two major cross-border drug trafficking syndicates with cocaine and opioids worth billions of naira recovered from them while six leaders of the cartels were arrested in different parts of the country.


The syndicates, which comprise Nigerians based in Mubi, Adamawa state; Onitsha, Anambra state, and Lagos state as well as Cameroonians came under NDLEA radar after they were suspected of being major suppliers of drugs to terror groups operating in Nigeria and Cameroon.


Leaders of the syndicates so far arrested include: Ibrahim Bawuro, Najib Ibrahim, Ibrahim Umar, Nelson Udechukwu Anayo, Ezeh Amaechi Martin and Adejumo Elijah Ishola.

Intelligence gathered revealed that some psychoactive substances including tramadol were often sourced by Ibrahim Bawuro and Ibrahim Najib from a notorious drug dealer in Onitsha: Nelson Udechukwu Anayo and thereafter packed and concealed in vehicles in the premises of Ezeh Amaechi Martin, an associate of Udechukwu.


The duo of Ibrahim Bawuro and Ibrahim Najib will thereafter transport the drugs from Onitsha to Yola and subsequently to other parts of the North and Cameroon in specially constructed false compartments of vehicles, which travel from the East to the North at night.

On 7th October 2024, Bawuro and Najib were trailed from Onitsha where they had gone to buy another consignment and eventually arrested in Taraba the following day 8th October while a total of 276,500 pills of tramadol were recovered from a Toyota Avensis saloon car marked DKA 57 TT, which they abandoned on the Jalingo-Yola expressway when they noticed NDLEA operatives were on their trail.


Follow up operations were subsequently carried out in Delta and Anambra states where Ezeh Amaechi Martin and Udechukwu Nelson Anayo were arrested by operatives of the NDLEA Directorate of Intelligence, which coordinated the whole effort with their counterparts in Taraba, Adamawa, Delta and Anambra.


Another leader of a different syndicate, Adejumo Elijah Ishola, 37, was arrested by operatives of a special operation unit of the Agency on Tuesday 5th November at Seme border in Lagos on his way from Ghana with 3.3 kilograms of cocaine and 600grams of synthetic cannabis.

This followed months of intelligence and surveillance on his cross-border criminal activities.


Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Apapa seaport Lagos on Wednesday 6th November intercepted Thirty-One Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand (31,750,000) pills of 240mg Voltron, a controlled opioid, packaged and concealed in a container imported from India, as diclofenac sodium 100mg tablets.

The discovery was made during a joint examination of the container with men of Customs Service and other security agencies.


At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, import shed Ikeja Lagos, NDLEA officers on Tuesday 5th November intercepted a 700grams consignment of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis.

A software engineer, Olu Marshal who showed up to collect the package was promptly arrested and a follow up search of his home in Lekki led to the recovery of some drug paraphernalia, including a cannabis crusher.


Attempt by another suspect, Orji Ogbonna Nnaorji to send 32.50kg bottles of codeine syrup and 5.70kg cannabis to London, UK, concealed in tiger nuts cargo through the export shed of the Lagos airport was frustrated by NDLEA operatives on Friday 8th November.

A follow up operation led to the arrest of Orji at his warehouse in Ajao estate, Lagos.


In Kwara state, not less than 162,800 pills of opioids were seized by NDLEA operatives from four suspects during interdiction operations in parts of the state. While 112,200 tablets of tramadol were recovered from Wahab Alao Saliu, 18,900 tablets of same opioid were recovered from Dalha Musa both at Eiyenkorin area of Ilorin; 29,000 pills of tramadol, 200 ampoules of diazepam and 99 bottles of codeine syrup seized from Ahmed Isiaka, just as 2,500 tabs of tramadol were seized from Ahmed Garba, both at Bode Saadu in Moro local government area of the state on Friday 8th November.


In Abuja, NDLEA operatives in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday 7th November intercepted a truck along Abaji- Kwali road with 755.50kg cannabis concealed under empty cartons of noodles.

The truck driver, Lukman Rasheed, 41, claimed that bags of the psychoactive substance were loaded into the trailer in Ogbese, Ondo state after departing Lagos with only empty cartons of noodles.


A suspect, Yusuf Abubakar, 43, was arrested by operatives on Monday 4th November at Ibi, Taraba state while conveying to Kano 361 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 156.95kg in a commercial bus marked WKR 772 XA. Not less than 245 blocks of same substance with a total weight of 121kg were recovered by NDLEA officers on patrol along Wukari – Ibi road on Thursday 7th November.


Two suspects: Hamza Yakubu, 30, and Abdulra’uf Danjuma, 23, were on Wednesday 6th November arrested at Gidan Manjagab area of Jos, Plateau state with 113 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 141kg, while a Chadian, Hassan Muhammad Ali, 31, was nabbed on Tuesday 5th November at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria-Kano road, Kano, with 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg.


While a suspect Ibrahim Adamu was arrested at Jere area of Kaduna state with 35 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 338.8 kilograms, NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Friday 8th November recovered 1,078kg cannabis at Okhuokhuo – Isi forest and 228kg of same substance at Sabo- Auchi.


In Ondo state, four suspects: Friday Daniel, Patrick Felix, Samuel Agada and Igwe Chukwuka were arrested at Emure Ile with 672kg cannabis sativa, while 513kg of same substance was seized at Gbodo camp, Ikun Akoko and a total of 4, 908kg cannabis recovered from a suspect Musibau Kosama at Alabi Yellow, Ijoka area of Akure on Wednesday 6th November.


Across the country, NDLEA Commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week.

Instances include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Park Royal College, Apapa Lagos; Government Secondary School, Atu, Cross River; Ladigbolu Grammar School 2, Oyo, Oyo state; Iman Secondary School, Arkilla, Sokoto; Rosary Girls College, Nise, Anambra; Havilah Gold Secondary School, Odomola, Epe, Lagos state; while the Edo State command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to HRM Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, among others.


While commending the officers and men of DI, SIU, Apapa, MMIA, FCT, Taraba, Kwara, Plateau, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, and Ondo Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) also applauded their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA sensitization lectures and advocacy messages to every part of their areas of responsibility.

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Morocco 2025: Ekong, Lookman, Simon, 19 others train in Abidjan Tuesday night

Super Eagles

Only Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar was being expected as Nigeria’s juggernaut rolled sturdily into the much-familiar environment of Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Tuesday, with 22 players set for the team’s first training session ahead of a potentially-explosive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against neighbours Benin Republic on Thursday.

“We have 22 players, with only one person to join the team in the early hours of Wednesday. It has been a particularly great atmosphere here in Abidjan, and we are all very positive going into the first training session ahead of the match,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen told thenff.com on Tuesday.

Eleven players, viz Captain and AFCON Man of the Competition William Ekong, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, his likely successor Ademola Lookman, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Victor Collins and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Germany-based forward Victor Boniface all arrived at once on Tuesday morning, before being joined by South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Earlier, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Kelechi Iheanacho had arrived, to join the eight that were in camp on Monday: goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defenders Gabriel Osho and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

With 10 points from four matches, seven goals for and none against, and top of their Group D, the Eagles will walk with an extra bounce into the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, the facility where they upended the aspirations of Guinea Bissau, Cameroon and Angola at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year.

It was also the venue where in the summer, they were slated by two goals to one by the Cheetahs (who have been forced by lack of a CAF-approved facility in their country to adopt Abidjan as home) in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game in which they scored first.

“The stadium is a familiar one for us and we have good memories from the AFCON. We will rather focus on the positive results we have taken away from here and work hard for another good day in the office on Thursday.

“It is not going to be easy because the Beninoise are also chasing a ticket to the final tournament. However, our objective is clear: three points on the night,” Captain Ekong said on Tuesday.

Senegalese official Issa Sy, who was in charge when the Super Eagles pipped Angola 1-0 at the same venue, in a quarter-final match of the Africa Cup of Nations finals, has been selected by CAF as referee for Thursday’s encounter, which will commence at 7pm CIV time (8pm Nigeria time).

He will be supported by compatriots Djibril Camara (assistant 1), Nouha Bangoura (assistant 2) and El Hadji Amadou Sy (fourth official). Ivorian Rene Williams Sere will be the commissioner while Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be the referee assessor.

The Super Eagles need only one point from Thursday’s clash to be sure of a ticket to the 35th AFCON, scheduled for Morocco 21st December 2025 – 18th January 2026.

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Family Reveals Lagbaja Struggled to Enjoy Life After Military Service

"Family Reveals Lagbaja Struggled to Enjoy Life After Military Service"

Mr. Demola Lagbaja, the Head of the Lagbaja Family in Ilobu Kingdom, Osun State, expressed sorrow that the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja, was unable to experience life outside of the military.

The family leader made this statement on Monday while hosting a condolence visit from the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, Old Boys Association, at the Lagbaja family home in Ibadan.

He mentioned that the family had hoped their late relative would retire after completing his service to enjoy the rewards of his hard work.

Lagbaja said the family had submitted to the will of God following the incident,  saying that “some tears will never dry.”

He mentioned that the late Chief of Army Staff spent his entire career in the military after finishing his A-levels at the Polytechnic.

“That was our wish, which never came. What happened has happened. We have to submit to the will of God, but we are very proud of our son, for he made us proud. All we can wish him is to rest in peace,” Lagbaja said.

The leader of the Lagbaja family expressed gratitude to the association for their visit, mentioning that their departed son had been fondly remembered since his passing.

Earlier, the delegation, headed by Mr. Sola Omopo, Chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, on behalf of the Ibadan branch members of the association, offered a condolence letter to the bereaved family.

Omopo praised the late individual, highlighting his contributions to the school and noting that he had been a proud and active financial member until his passing.

“He was building a very standard project of about N550m for the school, which is about 80 per cent completion.

“When we heard the news, it was very shocking for all of us both in Nigeria and the diaspora, hence the decision to pay a condolences visit to the family,” he said.

Wave News reports that Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the former Chief of Army Staff, passed away on November 5 at the age of 56.

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Newcastle United Target Victor Osimhen in £113m Transfer Move

Newcastle United have entered the race to secure the services of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in 2025, with the club’s owners, the Public Investment Fund, reportedly prepared to activate his £113 million release clause.

This is according to PUNCH Sports Extra and further reports by Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder.

The Magpies are among several top European clubs poised to explore the possibility of signing the 25-year-old forward, who is currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli.

Osimhen has been in sensational form since his September move to Galatasaray, scoring eight goals in nine matches across all competitions. Six of those goals have come in six Turkish Super Lig appearances, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.

The Nigerian international’s latest heroics came in Galatasaray’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Samsunspor on Sunday.

Osimhen netted twice in the match, extending his team’s unbeaten run and helping them maintain a six-point lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table.

Having previously excelled at Lille and Napoli, where he won the Serie A title and earned the league’s top scorer accolade, Osimhen’s consistent goal-scoring exploits have drawn the attention of Europe’s elite clubs.

Newcastle’s interest signals their ambition to strengthen their attacking options as they aim to compete at the highest levels of European football.Osimhen’s potential move to Newcastle would mark a significant investment, reflecting the club’s owners’ commitment to bolstering the squad with world-class talent.

However, with other top teams reportedly monitoring his situation, the Magpies may face stiff competition for the Nigerian’s signature.As the 2025 transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Osimhen to see where his next chapter unfolds.

For now, his focus remains on maintaining his remarkable form and helping Galatasaray achieve their domestic and European ambitions.

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BBNaija Star Phyna Advocates for Mandatory DNA Tests at Birth

Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, a former Big Brother Naija reality TV star, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding DNA tests in Nigeria.

This comes amidst a growing national discourse over paternity fraud, which has left many divided on whether DNA tests should become a standard practice.Using her X (formerly Twitter) handle, Phyna voiced her support for music executive Don Jazzy’s recent suggestion that DNA tests should take precedence over naming ceremonies. She firmly advocated for making DNA testing mandatory immediately after childbirth as a means to address paternity disputes and ensure clarity from the onset.In her post, Phyna stated, “I support DNA test over naming ceremony.

It should be passed that it is compulsory. Immediately after birth, a DNA test should be carried out.

”Her comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media, adding fuel to an already heated discussion about the necessity and implications of routine DNA testing. Advocates of the proposal argue that it would significantly reduce cases of paternity fraud and strengthen trust within families.

However, critics caution that such a policy might erode the foundation of family relationships and lead to privacy concerns.Phyna’s position aligns with the increasing calls for transparency in family dynamics.

Recent high-profile cases of paternity fraud in Nigeria have highlighted the emotional, legal, and financial consequences of false paternity claims.

Many believe that implementing mandatory DNA testing at birth could provide a preventive measure against such issues, offering both fathers and children certainty about their biological relationships.

Supporters of her stance point to the potential societal benefits of DNA testing, including the reduction of legal disputes over child support and inheritance, as well as fostering a culture of accountability.

On the other hand, some argue that mandatory testing could stigmatize families and create unnecessary distrust, particularly in situations where paternity is not in question.

Phyna’s statement has also reignited discussions about the role of government in personal matters.

If such a policy were to be implemented, it would require legal backing, infrastructure, and funding to ensure the accessibility and accuracy of DNA testing for all Nigerians.

The debate continues to divide public opinion, with many Nigerians sharing their perspectives on the social, moral, and financial implications of making DNA tests compulsory.

For now, Phyna’s bold advocacy has succeeded in keeping the conversation alive, sparking discussions that may shape future policies on family and paternity issues in the country.

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2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Benin coach, Gernot Rohr reveals tactics ahead Super Eagles clash in Abidjan

Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr, has identified the Super Eagles’ defensive frailties as a key weakness his team will look to exploit in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash.

The much-anticipated matchday five encounter is set to take place at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Thursday.

The Cheetahs currently occupy second place in Group D, having amassed six points from four matches.

With just two matches left in the group stage, Benin Republic must secure a win against their West African neighbors to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the AFCON 2025 finals.

A loss or draw could leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, making this encounter a do-or-die affair for Rohr’s men.Gernot Rohr, who is no stranger to Nigerian football, having coached the Super Eagles in the past, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to challenge the Nigerians.

Speaking in an interview with Mega Sports, the German tactician highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities of the Super Eagles as a potential area for his team to capitalize on.

“We are excited to have Lenny Piringuel back in the squad. With his recent performances for his new club, Rouen, he has started to regain his form and sharpness,” Rohr stated.

“His liveliness and creativity are assets that we believe can make a difference, especially against a Nigerian team that may have some defensive weaknesses.

We hope to exploit those gaps and turn them to our advantage.

”The Super Eagles, led by head coach José Peseiro, boast one of the most potent attacking lineups in African football, featuring stars like Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Samuel Chukwueze.

However, their defensive performances have been inconsistent in recent matches, often leaving spaces that opponents have exploited.

Rohr is banking on his team’s discipline and tactical awareness to counter the Super Eagles’ attacking prowess while capitalizing on any lapses in their backline.

For the Benin Republic, a win in this crucial fixture could significantly boost their morale and improve their standing in Group D.

On the other hand, the Super Eagles, who currently top the group, will aim to secure their spot in the AFCON 2025 finals with a strong performance.

The stage is set for an intense battle as both teams prepare to leave everything on the field. With Rohr’s tactical knowledge of the Super Eagles and the stakes higher than ever, Thursday’s encounter promises to be a thrilling contest between the two West African neighbors.

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Rivers State Election: Appeal Court Sets Up Special Panel, Hearing Begins Thursday

"Rivers State Election: Appeal Court Sets Up Special Panel, Hearing Begins Thursday"

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set up a dedicated three-member panel to address political cases originating from Rivers State, with hearings set to start on Thursday, November 14.

This decision comes in response to the rising number of legal conflicts linked to the ongoing dispute between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The clash has triggered a wave of lawsuits from the state, causing divisions among political figures and resulting in inconsistent rulings from courts of equal authority—an issue that has faced scrutiny from judicial stakeholders and the public alike.

To streamline the handling of these cases, Court of Appeal President Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem appointed a special panel to manage all appeals connected to the political tensions in Rivers.

The panel, led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi and joined by Justices Misitura Bokaji-Yusuf and James Abundaga, is set to handle cases involving prominent political figures and factions within the state.

Among the appeals scheduled for review is one submitted by Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with cases featuring both the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress. These cases concern the alleged defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike from the PDP to the APC.

On Monday, a court panel postponed three appeals, including one brought by the Rivers State Government against the Rivers State House of Assembly and others, which will now be addressed by the newly appointed special panel.

The presiding Justice Hamma Barka noted, “The appeal, marked CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/1211m1/2024, is among the Rivers matters for which a special panel was constituted.”

Senior lawyer Chief Paul Erokoro, representing the appellant, notified the court about plans to ensure that all respondents who had not yet been served would receive the required documents by Thursday.

He added that he had just obtained some filings from the respondents and would need time to prepare his reply.

Counsel for the first and second respondents, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) and Dr. Joshua Musa (SAN), who also represented other respondents, concurred with the request to postpone the hearing until November 14.

Two other cases—a suit by the Accountant General of Rivers State against the Rivers State House of Assembly and one by the Action Peoples Party against the Independent National Electoral Commission and others—were also postponed to Thursday for a hearing by the special panel led by Justice Otisi.

This panel was set up to ensure a swift and decisive resolution to the political disputes, marking an essential move toward restoring stability amid Rivers State’s ongoing political challenges.

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