Oguejiofor was caught on October 7, 2024. He concealed the drugs in six backpacks and two large suitcases. The 29-year-old is a mechanical engineering graduate. He had left Thailand on October 3 and stopped in Doha. After two days in Doha, he flew to Lagos on October 5. He planned to reroute his luggage to avoid security checks.
However, NDLEA officers intercepted him at the airport. Upon searching his luggage, they found heroin sewn into the backpacks. Oguejiofor claimed he was hired for $7,000. He was to deliver two parcels in Lagos and four in Accra, Ghana.
Continued efforts and major seizures
In addition to the airport operation, NDLEA seized tramadol pills worth over N12.577 billion. They confiscated 1,451,994 bottles of codeine syrup valued at N10.163 billion. These seizures occurred at Lekki Deep Seaport, Apapa Seaport, and Port Harcourt Port Complex.
The total value of these seized opioids reached N22,740,958,000. Officers discovered these consignments in flagged containers. They based their actions on intelligence reports. From October 7 to 11, 2024, officers examined these containers alongside the Nigeria Customs.
On October 12, NDLEA arrested Okelue Chidera in Anambra. They seized 50,000 tramadol tablets from him. In Edo State, officers raided a cannabis transit point in Aviose. They recovered 70 bags of cannabis weighing 1,050 kg. Another raid in Ovia North East LGA led to the arrest of Monday Akele. Officers seized 110 kg of cannabis during this operation.
Educational outreach and community engagement
The NDLEA continues its war on drugs with educational programs. They engage in sensitization activities in schools and communities. Enlightenment lectures took place at various institutions. These included Sacred Heart Girls International Secondary School and Federal Government Girls Secondary School.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), its chairman, praised the officers’ efforts. He recognized their successes in reducing drug supply and demand. The ongoing war on drugs demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking. NDLEA also aims to prevent drug abuse in communities.
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