The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking with major operations resulting in multiple arrests, the seizure of vehicles, and the interception of vast quantities of illicit substances across Nigeria.

In a midnight operation on Saturday, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 40ft trailer loaded with 2,217.6 kilograms of skunk at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa, Abuja.
The consignment, destined for Northern states, was being distributed into six vehicles, including Toyota and JAC models, when officers swooped in, arresting 42-year-old suspect Isaac Monday Desmond.
The director of media and advocacy, Femi Babafemi in a statement indicated that additional operations in the Federal Capital Territory led to the arrest of two suspects, Anthony Nnamdi and Abba Ali, and the recovery of 1.398 kilograms of cocaine and precursor substances.
In Lagos he said the NDLEA officers intercepted 20 wraps of cocaine concealed in face cream containers meant for export to Australia. Meanwhile, a massive codeine shipment valued at over N1.1 billion was seized during a joint operation at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Rivers State.
In another significant breakthrough, NDLEA apprehended Bariu Aliu, a traditional priest of the Igunuko shrine in Lagos, three months after a raid at the shrine uncovered 2,760 kilograms of skunk. His accomplices had already been convicted.
Further successes included the arrest of 23-year-old Habibu Ya’u in Kano, where officers recovered 24.2 kilograms of cannabis and over 40,000 pills of opioids.
NDLEA’s nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign also gained momentum with sensitization programs targeting schools, worship centers, and communities.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the agency’s operatives for their balanced approach to reducing drug supply and demand, emphasizing their role in safeguarding the nation.

A violent cult-related clash in Owo, Ondo State, has left five people dead, including Fisayo Oladipupo, a former youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), heightening concerns over the growing insecurity in the region.
The deadly confrontation, which occurred on Sunday night, was part of an ongoing feud between rival cult groups that has simmered for over a decade, leading to numerous fatalities.

Oladipupo, 56, was shot and killed around 2:00 am on Monday, and his death triggered further violence across the town, with four other individuals gunned down in various parts of Owo, including the Eyinogbe, Ekusi, and Uselu areas.
Tragically, a mother and her child also fell victim to the violence when stray bullets struck them while they were attempting to flee the chaos at Mobil Junction.

Sources close to the community suggest that Oladipupo’s murder was likely carried out by individuals familiar to him, based on the nature of the attack. His death sparked widespread fear and panic, with the town reeling from the loss of several lives in a matter of hours.

The long-standing nature of the feud between the cult groups, fueled by unresolved disputes, has left the community on edge. Residents are now demanding increased security and a stronger police presence to prevent future bloodshed.

The police have confirmed the incident, with the Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, stating that investigations are underway to uncover the perpetrators and their motives.
While there are conflicting reports about Oladipupo’s status as an APC chieftain, the local authorities have confirmed the deaths of four individuals and reassured the public that efforts to restore order are ongoing.

The Obidient Movement has raised alarm over the abduction of Hon. Justice Azuka, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, describing the incident as a wake-up call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security framework.

Hon. Azuka was abducted at gunpoint on Christmas Eve along Ugwunaobamkpa Road, Onitsha, while returning home. The kidnappers whisked him away, sparking widespread concern and outrage across the state and beyond.

In a press release issued on December 27, 2024, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, called on the Nigeria Police Force, Anambra State Command, and local vigilante groups to join forces in combing suspected hideouts to secure Azuka’s immediate and unconditional release.

“The kidnapping of Hon. Azuka is a test of the resolve and efficiency of our security agencies. They must act swiftly and decisively to rescue him and reassure Nigerians of their safety,” the statement read.

The movement commended the police for recovering the lawmaker’s vehicle but stressed that achieving his safe return must remain the top priority.
Azuka’s abduction highlights the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State, where incidents of kidnappings and violent crimes have been on the rise.

The lawmaker gained prominence after reclaiming his mandate from Hon. Douglas Egbuna of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a landmark 2023 electoral victory. His abduction, therefore, raises concerns not just about security but also about the safety of elected officials tasked with representing the people.
The Obidient Movement urged Azuka’s supporters, associates, and the general public to remain calm while cooperating with security operatives by providing any useful information that could lead to his rescue.

“We are confident that Hon. Azuka will regain his freedom soon. We are leaving no stone unturned in working with stakeholders to secure his release,” the statement assured.

The group also used the opportunity to advocate for sweeping reforms in the nation’s security apparatus, emphasizing that the safety of citizens must be prioritized to build trust and stability.

The statement concluded with a call for unity and hope, reaffirming the movement’s commitment to building a “New Nigeria” where security, justice, and prosperity prevail.