This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the air strikes were conducted on April 11 by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the theatre.

He said the mission targeted fleeing terrorists and regrouping elements following an earlier successful engagement that decimated their positions in the area.

“The follow-up strikes were executed based on credible intelligence and in close coordination with ground forces to deny terrorists freedom of movement and prevent further attacks.

“The operation formed part of a broader air-ground integration effort aimed at consolidating earlier gains recorded by friendly forces,” he said.

According to him, the strikes effectively disrupted terrorist activities within the Jilli axis, a known enclave exploited by insurgents due to its difficult terrain.

Ejodame said the sustained offensive underscored the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint operations in the North-East.

He added that the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to persistent surveillance, precision targeting and rapid response missions to support ongoing military efforts.

“The NAF will continue to sustain momentum in ongoing operations to protect innocent lives, secure communities and restore lasting peace in the region,” he said.

Source: NAN

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Receiving the management team of the NCDC in his office, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, disclosed that more than 300 small-scale and artisanal miners had been organised into cooperatives, as part of ongoing persuasive efforts to steer them away from illegal mining and integrate them into the formal sector.

According to him, the Bola Tinubu administration has so far arrested over 300 illegal miners while about 150 including foreigners, are currently undergoing prosecution.

He further disclosed the North Central region had benefitted immensely from the  ministry’s local value addition policy as new mineral processing projects had taken off in the region.

According to the minister, through value addition policy, mining is contributing more than $2 billion to the country’s economy as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration continues to develop the regenerative sectors of the economy.

He explained that the policy was designed to encourage in-country processing and beneficiation of mineral resources, thereby reducing raw material exportation while boosting industrial growth, job creation, and overall economic diversification.

He assured that the president was focused on building enduring legacies, noting that the commission stood as one of such lasting institutions.

Alake further highlighted the need for a robust working relationship between the ministry and other development commissions, stressing the critical role of the solid minerals sector in driving broader economic growth.

He assured the commission of the ministry’s total support in delivering on its mandate, while urging its leadership to prioritise strategic collaboration, transparency and effective project execution to maximise impact across the region.

“You have a very critical role to play and note that you are not doing it for the president or the government. You’re doing it for the Nigerian nation. And your own names would also be etched in the sands of time, that when you were there, when you had the opportunity, you made your own contributions. This is my own guiding philosophy and your conscience will be clear and you can go to bed in peace. You don’t have to make material acquisition your main focus because materialism is transient, a flash in the pan,” the minister advised.

Earlier, the Managing Director, NCDC, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, said the visit was meant to seek areas of collaboration between the two institutions.

Tsenyil noted that such partnerships were essential for aligning their efforts, leveraging shared resources, and driving sustainable development initiatives across the North Central region.

While highlighting the region’s rich mineral deposits, the MD proposed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, to drive development in the sub-sector.

The meeting concluded with a commitment by both institutions to establish a technical working committee to drive progress.

The NCDC is a federal government agency established by law set up to drive development in Nigeria’s North Central region.

The enabling law is the North Central Development Commission (Establishment) Act (2024)  under President Bola Tinubu.

The commission focuses on the North Central geopolitical zone, which includes Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).

The NCDC was created to close this development gap, similar to what agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, do in their regions.

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In one of such operations, a nonagenarian, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested at his home in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu Village, Osisioma local government area of Abia State on Tuesday 7th April 2026.

A search of his residence led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

The suspect claimed he had worked as a truck pusher but later learnt painting and tiling before going into the illicit drug business over a year ago.

He claimed he had been smoking skunk since 1959 before turning it into business.

Efforts to unravel local collaborators of an international drug syndicate paid off following the arrest of an Ivorian, Gohouri Michael, 41, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport,  Kano with 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49kg.

A 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr.  Chudi Daniel Ofomata, was subsequently arrested in a follow-up operation in Ogun State.

Michael Gohouri (also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael) was arrested on Monday 16th February 2026 during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to Milan, Malpensa via Addis Ababa.

Gohouri had arrived Lagos from Milan, Italy on 17th January, 2026 and was shuttling from Lagos to Enugu for three weeks.

He later travelled to Kano where he stayed for a week before ingesting the cocaine consignment in his hotel room.

He’s expected to be paid 5,000 Euros when he delivers the drugs in Milan.

Further investigation by NDLEA revealed that Gohouri had a shadowy figure behind the scene, giving him instructions on how to move the cocaine consignment through the airport.

The hidden figure behind Gohouri was eventually discovered to be Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata who was later tracked and traced to his residence at Teachers’ Land Estate, Magboro, Obafemi Owode local government area, Ogun State.

He was arrested on 27th March 2026 and flown to Kano on Tuesday 7th April.

Recovered from him at the point of his arrest include 63grams of promazepam and 7 ampoules of promethazine injection.

Three suspects, namely: Azeez Sanni, Olayinka Oke and Adekunle Adeyemi were arrested with 34 kilograms of skunk when NDLEA operatives raided Sango Under bridge, Sango Ota, Ogun state on Tuesday 7th April, while 56.2kg of same substance was recovered from a female suspect, Ayoka Akinwale, 26, along Onitsha- Owerri road, Owerri, Imo state on Saturday 11th April.

In Niger State, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 9th April arrested a couple – Abdullahi Umar, 32, and his wife Adama Umar, 25 – during a search of their Takuti Village, Lapai local government area home where 118 kilograms of skunk were recovered from their kitchen.

No fewer than 42,290 tablets of Rohypnol; 82,700 mils of codeine syrup and 10,000 mils of Pentazocine injection were recovered from a trailer loaded with vehicle spare parts coming from Nnewi, Anambra State, by NDLEA officers on patrol at Njimtilo along Damaturu-Maiduguri road, Borno State.

The owner of the consignment Eleje Ibeabuchi, 43, was arrested in a follow-up operation.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Tuesday 7th April intercepted a Chisco Transport luxury bus marked AGU 442 XB going to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, along Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 15 kilograms of Scottish Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, concealed in one of the compartments of the bus.

Two suspects – Kingsley Nsofor and Opara Ifeanyi – were promptly arrested.

In another interdiction operation in Lagos, NDLEA officers on Saturday 11th April at Mushin area intercepted a truck conveying assorted goods going to Onitsha, Anambra State.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup and the subsequent arrest of two suspects – Adesunloye Dada and Chibuzor Chime.

A raid of the Tora Bora notorious drug joint in Abuja by NDLEA operatives on Saturday 11th April led to the arrest of eight suspects, namely Abubakar Muhammad; Ali Isiaka; Obed Moses; Ibrahim Musa; Attahiru Audu; Kabiru Buhari; Oloruntoba Samuel; and Ellah Gyandi.

A combined total of 11.516 kilogrammes of skunk were seized from the suspects.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives working on actionable intelligence on Saturday 11th April intercepted two long trucks marked LUY 172 XC and LUY 281 XC with bags of processed skunk concealed among cartons of beer along Warrake road, Auchi.

One of the trucks was found to contain 3,900 kilogrammes of skunk, while the second had 3,345 kilogrammes, bringing the total weight to 7,245 kilograms.

Five suspects arrested in connection with the seizure are Ibrahim Abu, 29; Abu Abdullazeez, 28; Jibril Jaminu, 35; Andrew Moses, 22  and Ganiyu Abu, 21.

The consignments were loaded at Sabongida-Ora in Owan West local government area and heading to Abuja when they were intercepted.

The War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, social advocacy activities equally continued across commands and formations of the agency all over the country in the past week.

Some of them include WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Child Best School, Ikorodu, Lagos; Government Science Secondary School, Ajaokuta, Kogi; Community Girls Secondary School, Danja, Katsina; Government Girls Secondary School, Dabo, Kano; drivers, passengers and park workers at Oban-Aningheje motor park, Calabar, Cross River and members of Anglican Youths Fellowship Diocese, Okinin, Osun State, among others.

While commending the officers and men of the MAKIA, Abia, Lagos, Imo, Borno, Ogun, Niger, Edo, and FCT 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) equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for ensuring a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

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The action followed the conduct of the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

The board also issued warnings to centres with minor technical issues, while one centre will no longer be used in any of the board’s examinations.

The announcement was made on Friday in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.

He said the Mock UTME introduced to enable candidates familiarise themselves with the Computer-Based Test, CBT, environment, also served as a critical platform for the Board to assess its level of preparedness.

He stated that it provided an opportunity to identify centres that fell short of the required operational and technical standards.

Benjamin declared that in the aftermath of the 2026 Mock UTME, the board’s internal review mechanisms identified a number of centres that failed to meet the standards.

Consequently, he announced that the board had taken decisive steps, in line with its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examination processes, to ensure that only centres that were fully prepared and compliant participated in the main UTME exercise.

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The Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed on Thursday at the university, marks a significant step toward building the Abuja Original Inhabitants Centre within the institution.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, described the proposed facility as a future international hub of excellence.

He expressed confidence in the project’s durability, assuring that it would stand the test of time.

Fawehinmi further pledged the full administrative backing of the university to ensure the project’s successful delivery, noting that as the only public university in Abuja, the institution possessed the human capital required to drive the initiative to completion.

In his remarks, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, CHRICED’s Executive Director, underscored the strategic importance of the centre, describing it as a platform that will document, preserve, and amplify the history, culture, and rights of Abuja’s original inhabitants.

He added that the centre, with support from MacArthur Foundation, would also serve as a research and policy hub for scholars across Africa, contributing to conversations on indigenous identity, inclusion, and development.

Zikirullahi appreciated the university for embracing the partnership, noting that with the MoU now signed, attention would shift to implementation despite prevailing economic challenges.

“Now that we have formalised this partnership, the responsibility is on us to deliver. We are committed to ensuring that construction begins soon, hopefully by next month, once all architectural approvals are secured,” he said.

Also speaking, Momodu Kassim Momodu, CHRICED’s Board Chairman, said the centre would attract researchers from across the world when completed, positioning the university as a focal point for indigenous studies.

Prof. Momodu assured the institution of CHRICED’s full cooperation, describing the organisation as one with a strong track record of impactful and well-executed projects.

He expressed optimism about the pace of work, noting that the project would progress rapidly and ultimately become a source of pride for Africa.

“CHRICED has consistently demonstrated a strong capacity for delivering impactful and well-executed projects. I believe this centre will be delivered swiftly like a speed of light and grow to become a source of pride for Africa,” he noted.

In his contribution, Prof. Matthew Dada, Director of the Centre for Indigenous Studies at the university, described the signing of the MoU as historical.

According to him, the centre would give Abuja’s original inhabitants a stronger sense of identity and belonging within the academic space.

Similarly, Shiva Rae Kondoun, the university’s Bursar, expressed confidence that the centre’s indigenous focus would attract global interest and patronage.

Highlights of the occasion included strong commitments from both parties, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the centre could redefine how indigenous knowledge and identity are documented and integrated into Africa’s development discourse.

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Yilwatda made this known in Abuja while speaking on key issues affecting the social, political and economic management of the country, insisting that in a period of national transition and democratic consolidation, Nigeria could not afford to gamble its future on confusion, instability, or politically disoriented alternatives.

According to a statement signed by Mr Abimbola Tooki, his special adviser on media and communications strategy, the national chairman said the APC had over time demonstrated the institutional maturity, national spread, political discipline, and administrative capacity required to manage the complex demands of a nation as large, diverse and strategically important as Nigeria.

He said the party was not merely preparing for the next election cycle, but actively working to deepen governance, strengthen democratic culture, improve public trust, and build a stronger foundation for national development.

“The All Progressives Congress is not an ad hoc coalition held together by convenience. It is a tested and enduring political machine, built on structure, spread, experience and the capacity to respond to the real needs of Nigerians. We are the only party with the institutional strength and national reach to carry the weight of both the present and the future of this country,” the national chairman stated.

Yilwatda maintained that while governance naturally comes with pressures, contestations and difficult decisions, the APC remained committed to supporting policies and reforms that would place Nigeria on the path of long-term stability, productivity and prosperity.

He noted that the task before the current administration was not a cosmetic one, but a serious nation-building responsibility that required courage, patience, sacrifice and political steadiness.

He added that the APC, as the governing party, fully understood the weight of the historic obligation and would continue to provide the political backbone required to sustain reforms and deliver democratic dividends to Nigerians.

Commenting on the internal crises currently ravaging some opposition parties, Professor Yilwatda said the situation was a clear and disturbing reflection of their lack of preparedness for national leadership.

He noted that any political platform that could not manage its own internal affairs, reconcile competing tendencies, enforce discipline, or build consensus within its ranks, could not be trusted with the delicate task of governing a complex federation like Nigeria.

According to him, the persistent implosions, factional wars, legal battles, ego clashes and ideological emptiness that defined many opposition parties were not just political setbacks, but warning signs of deeper structural weakness and managerial incompetence.

He stressed that it would be dangerous and politically irresponsible for Nigerians to hand over the future of the country to political actors who had repeatedly shown that they could not maintain order within their own house.

“A party that cannot govern itself cannot govern Nigeria. If a political platform is constantly trapped in self-inflicted crisis, consumed by internal sabotage, and weakened by poor management, it simply has no business asking Nigerians for the mandate to lead this country,” he said.

The APC national chairman said Nigerians must be discerning enough to separate noise from capacity, propaganda from preparation, and opportunism from genuine leadership.

He added that while the APC continued to evolve, reform and strengthen its internal processes, many opposition parties remained trapped in a cycle of instability that made them unfit for serious democratic competition.

Yilwatda further stated that a repositioned and confident APC was not afraid of political competition and did not seek victory through the technical disqualification of opponents.

He said the APC believed in democratic contest, popular legitimacy, and the power of persuasion, adding that the party derived greater strength and credibility when it won elections through the trust and support of the Nigerian people.

According to him, while political parties must comply with the law and electoral regulations, the APC’s preference is always to defeat its opponents at the ballot box and not in backroom arrangements, procedural traps or legal technicalities.

He emphasised that true democratic legitimacy came from earned victory, not engineered outcomes, and that history was kinder to leaders and parties whose mandates were clearly validated by the people.

“Victory is sweeter when it is earned. It is more legitimate when it is freely given by the people. As a party, we believe that the strongest mandate is one secured through persuasion, performance, organization and political engagement,” he said.

The national chairman added that the APC’s growing confidence across the country was rooted in its expanding structures, broad-based acceptance, renewed internal discipline and its capacity to speak to both local and national concerns.

He said the party was increasingly focused on rebuilding trust at the grassroots, improving message coordination, rewarding loyalty, and ensuring that every electoral contest was approached with seriousness, strategy and measurable objectives.

Speaking on the current security situation in the country, Yilwatda described the federal government’s fresh phase in the mass trial of over 500 terrorism-related suspects as a major demonstration of state seriousness, institutional resolve and respect for the rule of law.

He said the development marked an important shift in the national security architecture, from merely announcing arrests to ensuring judicial accountability and lawful consequences for acts of terror and violent criminality.

According to him, this is not just a security story; it is also a governance story, a rule-of-law story, and a public trust story.

He explained that for citizens to have confidence in the state, they must see that criminal acts were not only confronted militarily, but also prosecuted credibly and transparently within the framework of the law.

“What we are seeing is movement beyond arrests toward institutional accountability. That matters greatly. It shows that the Tinubu administration is not only fighting insecurity on the battlefield, but also in the courtroom, in the intelligence space, and within the wider framework of state institutions,” he stated.

Yilwatda said the development reinforced the idea that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was pursuing a more comprehensive anti-insecurity strategy, one that combines military operations, intelligence coordination, legal enforcement, judicial process, and broader institutional strengthening.

He noted that sustainable security could not be built on force alone, but must rest on justice, deterrence, lawful prosecution, and visible consequences for those who threaten the peace and sovereignty of the country.

The APC national chairman therefore described the ongoing legal process as evidence of serious state action against terrorism, and called on Nigerians to continue supporting lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace, public confidence and national stability.

Turning to party affairs in Osun State, Yilwatda commended the APC chapter for what he described as its visible readiness, growing organisational capacity and renewed seriousness ahead of future political engagements.

He said the signs from Osun were encouraging, but quickly warned that electoral success would require more than enthusiasm, ceremonial mobilisation or symbolic activity.

The national chairman insisted that the Osun political operation must be built around discipline, structure, message clarity, conflict management, and grassroots precision.

He stressed the need for a single command structure within the campaign architecture, with clearly defined roles, measurable responsibilities and practical deliverables for every member of the campaign team.

According to him, confusion in authority lines, duplication of functions, ego-driven interference and competing centers of influence have historically weakened political operations and must not be allowed to undermine the APC’s efforts in Osun.

“Every successful political operation requires one clear command structure. There must be no ambiguity in authority, no overlap in responsibilities, and no room for avoidable internal disruption. Every member of the campaign team must know their assignment, their target, and their expected outcome,” he said.

Yilwatda also called for the establishment of a robust conflict resolution mechanism within the Osun campaign structure to proactively address grievances, misunderstandings and post-appointment tensions before they degenerate into factional bitterness or sabotage.

He warned that unmanaged resentment within campaign structures often did more damage than opposition attacks, stressing that political wounds ignored today could become electoral liabilities tomorrow.

The APC national chairman therefore directed that the Osun campaign must not be reduced to a ceremonial political exercise, but should instead be designed as a data-driven, ward-based and message-coordinated operation.

He said the campaign must be rooted in local realities, informed by voter behaviour, tailored to community concerns, and executed with measurable precision across all wards and constituencies.

According to him, the era of generic slogans and uncoordinated mobilization is over.

“What is required now is a modern political operation that understands the mood of the electorate, tracks persuasion patterns, coordinates messaging from the center to the grassroots, and ensures that every local structure is active and accountable,” he said.

Yilwatda further emphasised that the political significance of Osun extended beyond its immediate electoral boundaries.

He described the state as a strategic psychological battleground for the APC’s continued strength in the South-West, and a crucial rehearsal ground for 2027.

He noted that the outcome of political organisation in Osun would carry symbolic, strategic and momentum-building consequences not just for the state, but for the wider political direction of the APC in the region and nationally.

“Osun is not just another state election. It is a test of strength, a battle of perception, a measure of organisational discipline, and an important rehearsal ground for 2027. We must approach it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.

The national chairman charged party leaders, stakeholders, mobilizers, youth groups, women’s wings, elected officials and grassroots coordinators in Osun to close ranks and work with a single purpose.

He urged all party faithful to place collective victory above personal ambition, emphasizing that the APC’s success will depend not only on strategy and structure, but also on unity, sacrifice, discipline and loyalty to the bigger cause.

Yilwatda reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to building a stronger party and a stronger nation, stating that the party will continue to support policies and political actions that promote security, democratic legitimacy, economic recovery, institutional stability and national progress.

He said the APC remains focused, prepared and determined to continue serving as the most viable political platform for responsible governance and national renewal.

“Nigeria needs steadiness, structure, courage and capacity. The APC represents that responsibility. We are not perfect, but we are prepared, we are tested, and we are committed to doing the hard work required to move this country forward,” he said.

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In his message to Nigerians, Yilwatda described Easter as the cornerstone of the Christian faith and a season that powerfully reminds believers of the redemptive sacrifice, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

According to him, Easter is not only a period of celebration for Christians but also a solemn moment of reflection on the deeper lessons of faith, resilience, forgiveness, humility, and hope in the face of adversity.

“Easter teaches us that sacrifice is the pathway to glory, that suffering is never the end of the story, and that with faith in God, hope can rise again even in difficult times,” he stated.

The APC national chairman noted that the message of Easter remained profoundly relevant to Nigeria’s present realities, calling on citizens to draw inspiration from the resurrection story and remain steadfast in faith and patriotism despite the challenges confronting the nation.

He urged Christians to use the Easter period to recommit themselves to the virtues of righteousness, compassion, unity, prayer, and service to humanity, stressing that the nation needed men and women who would not only profess faith but also live out its values in public and private life.

Yilwatda also expressed deep concern over the security challenges facing parts of the country and commiserated with families and communities affected by acts of violence, banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.

He stated that the pain and losses suffered by many Nigerians remained a source of collective national grief and called for greater solidarity, vigilance, and cooperation among citizens and institutions in the effort to restore peace and security across the country.

“At a time like this, we must not allow fear, division, or despair to define us as a people. Rather, we must stand together in unity and resolve, trusting God and supporting all lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace, order, and safety in our communities,” he said.

Yilwatda acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling insecurity and stabilising the country, noting that the federal government had continued to demonstrate commitment through strategic interventions, institutional reforms, and renewed support for the nation’s security architecture.

He urged continued collaboration among all levels of government, security agencies, community leaders, faith institutions, and citizens to ensure that peace, justice, and security prevail across the federation.

The APC national chairman further called on Nigerians to use the Easter season as an opportunity to pray for the nation, its leaders, security personnel, and all those who continue to bear the burden of national service.

“This is a time for prayer, reflection, and renewed hope. As Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, we must also pray for the renewal of our nation; for healing where there is pain, peace where there is conflict, and hope where there is despair,” he added.

He expressed confidence that with faith in God, responsible leadership, and collective commitment to national unity and progress, Nigeria would overcome its present challenges and emerge stronger.

Yilwatda concluded by wishing all Christians a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling Easter celebration and urged all Nigerians to remain hopeful, law-abiding, and committed to the shared task of building a secure, united, and prosperous nation.

“May the message of Easter renew our faith, strengthen our unity, and inspire a brighter future for our dear country. Happy Easter to all Nigerians.”

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Attahiru Jega is the Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development.

The condolence message was passed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended the Janazah prayer for the late Hadiza Jega at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Sunday.

The president described Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace, character, and a strong anchor for Professor Jega as he navigated public life, including serving as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

President Tinubu also extolled her support for education and community development.

“Dear Professor Jega, it is with a heavy heart that I receive the news of the passing of your beloved wife of over 40 years. Hajiya was an exceptional woman. I mourn this painful loss with you and your family and pray that God Almighty grant her Aljannatul Firdaus. I stand with you and your family at this difficult time,” President Tinubu said.

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A search of their Honda Pilot SUV led to the recovery of blocks of skunk weighing 11kg concealed in hidden parts of their vehicle.

The arrest of the couple followed the apprehension of a fake security agent, Sunday Samuel, 35, at the same checkpoint on Monday 30th March while conveying 24.5kg skunk from Seme border to Lagos.

In Adamawa State, NDLEA officers on patrol along Namtari Road, Yola South, on Monday 30th March intercepted a trailer marked RUW 947 XA transporting 48,000 pills of tramadol.

The truck driver, Abdulaziz Ismail Korede, was arrested while a follow-up operation led to the arrest of the recipient, Idris Adamu.

While 60-year-old Idiatu Oladejo was arrested with 15kg skunk in Isale Osun, Osogbo, Osun State on Wednesday 1st April, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence raided the Itaogbolu forest, Akure, Ondo State where they recovered 351 kilogrammes of skunk and its seeds.

No fewer than 28,600 capsules of tramadol were seized from a 66-year-old Aminu Usman Gembu when he was arrested at Aliade, Benue State on Wednesday 1st April.

In Edo State, a suspect Roland Owie, 37, was arrested on Monday 30th March following the raid of his warehouse at Egbanke community, Orhionmwon local government area, where 1,378 kilogrammes of skunk were recovered.

A notorious drug dealer, 40-year-old Ayantola Omodunmomi (a.k.a Iya Elle) was on Wednesday 1st April arrested at Eleta area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Her arrest followed intelligence and surveillance on how she used her 11-year-old daughter, Anjola, to deliver illicit drugs to her customers.

At the time of her arrest, 45.6kg skunk was recovered from her warehouse.

The War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, social advocacy activities by NDLEA commands equally continued across the country in the past week.

Some of them include WADA sensitization lecture delivered to students and staff of Okere Grammar School, Saki, Oyo; Shasha Comprehensive High School, Alimosho, Lagos; Ma’ahad Ahmad Turaki Islamiyya, Sabon Gari, Kano; Ezi-Awka Community Secondary School, Awka, Anambra, and Madrasatul Ihsan, Area One Tsafe, Zamfara State, among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Seme, Borno, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Edo, Adamawa and Benue 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 praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for pursuing a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

“These successful operations are a testament to the agency’s evolving intelligence capabilities and our unwavering commitment to choking the supply lines of drug cartels. Whether they hide behind legitimate businesses, religious titles, or complex concealment methods, we will find them,” Marwa stated.

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During the operations, cocaine consignments concealed in tins of palm kernel extract heading to the United Kingdom were intercepted and the warehouse where the shipments were packaged raided while all the three layers of the group were unravelled leading to the arrest of the kingpin.

The breakthrough began on Wednesday 11th March 2026, when NDLEA officers of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Strategic Command, Ikeja Lagos, intercepted 3.10 kilogrammes of cocaine at the export shed of the airport.

The illicit substance was meticulously hidden inside tins of palm kernel extract intended for shipment to the UK.

Two suspects handling the shipment, Idris Olayiwola Amoo and Akinlami Akinsoji Adedoyin, were promptly arrested.

To unravel the sender and the arrowhead of the drug syndicate, a well-coordinated sting operation was carried out on Thursday 2nd April leading to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, Ezemuwo Joel, who operates under a fake identity as Ajayi.

His arrest provided the link to the syndicate’s head, 52-year-old King Arinze, who was flushed out of a hideout in the Isolo area of Lagos.

He was thereafter taken to his warehouse at 11, Ola Ifa Street, Bucknor, Isolo, where NDLEA operatives recovered 886 tins of palm kernel extract prepared for drug concealment; industrial tools including a sealing machine, tin openers; paint sprays; 52 grammes of cannabis sativa and a pack of hand gloves.

Arinze has since confessed to personally draining the oil from the tins to conceal the cocaine.

In a significant operation in Borno State, NDLEA, also intercepted a female drug supplier to bandit groups operating between the North East and Chad, 28-year-old Aisha Adamu.

In the operation carried out on Wednesday 1st April, operatives arrested Adamu along Gamboru Ngala road in possession of 4.3 kilograms of Colorado, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis.

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The post NDLEA uncovers cocaine in palm kernel oil cans, arrests kingpin appeared first on Frontpageng.