By Abubakar Yunusa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a high-profile cocaine syndicate operating in Lagos.
The operation, which took place on July 3rd, led to the arrest of Agbakoba John Mmadu, 54, his wife, Agbakoba Ijeoma Chinwe, 39, and their associate, Okoye Ifeoma Maryjane, 31.
The NDLEA recovered a total of 10.1 kilograms of cocaine valued at over N2.1 billion from the suspects.
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, disclosed that the raid was the culmination of months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
“The couple and their associate were notorious for packaging and trafficking cocaine within and outside Nigeria,” he said.
Mmadu was apprehended at Ago Palace Way, Okota, with 7.652 kilograms of cocaine. His wife and their stash keeper were nabbed at Lilly Estate, Amuwo Odofin, with 2.42 kilograms of the drug.
“In Benue state, 350 grams of cocaine were seized at a checkpoint along Enugu Road, Otukpo, leading to the arrest of Odeh Anthony, 25, at Flight Motor Park.
“In Adamawa state, Yves Ahmat Gali, a Chadian, was caught with 5.200kg of Loud cannabis on Ngurore-Yola Road.
” In Kano, youth corps member Yusuf Abdulrahman, 25, was arrested with 1.250kg of Loud cannabis.
“In Osun state, Ba’ale Ige Babatunde, head of Akarabata community, was caught with 5kg of fresh cannabis plants.
Ondo state saw the destruction of “42,500kg of cannabis and the arrest of Monday Ali, 49, and Jimoh Alewi, 37, in Ikota forest.
“In Abuja, Sanusi Mamman, 28, and Usaini Ibrahim, 20, were intercepted with large quantities of codeine syrup, tramadol, diazepam, and rophynol,he said .
Speaking on sensitisation,he said NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued with enlightenment lectures in schools and communities across Nigeria.
These efforts were praised by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), who urged officers to maintain their commitment to reducing drug supply and raising awareness.
He said the agency’s successful operations highlight its dedication to curbing drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
Director noted that the balance between enforcement and sensitization is seen as a crucial strategy in the fight against drug-related crimes.
