In a recent series of operations across several states, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered significant drug trafficking activities, demonstrating the persistence and ingenuity of those involved in the illicit drug trade. One particularly notable discovery took place in Edo State, where NDLEA operatives unearthed a hidden shrine in Igor community, Benin City. Guarded by a formidable snake, this clandestine location was ingeniously concealed behind wallpapers and adorned with fetish objects—a surreal blend of mysticism and criminality.
The spokesperson for NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the details of this operation, revealing that the shrine contained a specially constructed large hole within its walls. This cavity served as a covert storage space for various illicit substances, including methamphetamine and potent strains of cannabis such as Loud, Colorado, and Arizona, amounting to a staggering total of 8.743kg. The discovery underscores the lengths to which drug traffickers will go to conceal their operations, utilizing both natural and supernatural means to evade law enforcement.
During the raid, two individuals, Sonia Chinonso Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani, were apprehended by NDLEA agents. Their capture coincided with the demobilization of the snake guarding the shrine, marking a decisive moment in the agency’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating under the guise of religious or cultural sanctuaries.
In a separate operation within Edo State, NDLEA operatives intercepted two suspects, Obi Ferguson and Ernest Abanum, in possession of a substantial 209kg haul of cannabis. This enforcement action occurred in the Usen forest of Ovia South West LGA, highlighting the agency’s proactive stance in combating drug trafficking across diverse terrains and locales.
Moving southwest to Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted a meticulously packaged consignment of 8.2kg of methamphetamine at a motor park in Mazamaza, Ojo. Disguised within the casings of three loudspeakers and wrapped in imported chocolate packaging, this seizure illustrates the sophisticated methods employed by traffickers to smuggle highly addictive substances across state borders. The arrest of Michael Odiomume, the 39-year-old suspect attempting to transport the contraband to Owerri, underscores the agency’s vigilance and capacity to disrupt drug distribution networks at key transit points.
Meanwhile, in the federal capital territory of Abuja, NDLEA operatives intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pickup vehicle at Kiyi village in Kuje area. Concealed within were 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing a substantial 340.8kg. The vehicle bore amber lights and a fake registration number mimicking that of a security agency, reflecting the audacity of traffickers who resort to deceptive tactics to evade scrutiny. The apprehension of 76-year-old Francis Omofa, linked to the massive cannabis consignment procured from Uzeba, Edo State, further underscores the ageless allure of illicit drug profits and the long-standing involvement of individuals across generations in this illegal trade.
These operations by NDLEA serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive challenges posed by drug trafficking in Nigeria. From hidden shrines guarded by snakes to sophisticated smuggling techniques in urban centers and remote forests, the agency remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle drug syndicates and protect communities from the devastating impact of illicit substances. As the investigations continue and prosecutions unfold, NDLEA’s efforts stand as a testament to the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking and the resilience required to safeguard public health and security.
