The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate and recovered stolen goods valued at about ₦100m in Ibadan.

Police said the suspects were apprehended at a hideout near the Genesis Hotel area in Challenge after weeks of intelligence-led surveillance.

According to the command, the gang specialised in hijacking containers at gunpoint and diverting goods across state lines.

Suspects and recovered items

Those arrested include Mukaila Omorayo, Adekanbi Adesola, Ahmed Oderinlo, Samuel Omoseyin, Ramon Saheed, Monilola Ajayi, Akanbi Bisi, Wasilat Abdullahi, Bolaji Tanimola and Adeola Oyesina.

Officers recovered a wide range of items, including:

40 air conditioners

10 washing machines

One electric motorcycle

Packs of LED lights and furniture materials

Trailer spare parts and industrial tools

Cosmetics, wigs, and packaged food items

Police estimate the total value of the recovered goods at about ₦100,000,000.

Police: suspects cooperating with investigation

Police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said the suspects had confessed and were assisting ongoing investigations.

“Their confessions are aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.”

The police added that the suspects would be charged in court after investigations are completed.

Why it matters

Armed robbery and cargo diversion have been persistent challenges in parts of Nigeria, affecting supply chains, businesses and consumer prices.

Security experts say dismantling such syndicates could help reduce losses in the logistics sector and improve confidence in interstate trade.

The latest arrests highlight the role of intelligence gathering and public cooperation in tackling organised crime.

Police urge hotels to tighten vigilance

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised officers for the operation and called for stronger collaboration with the public.

“The Command therefore urges sustained public support and partnership with the Police to ensure a safer and more secure society.”

He also warned hotel operators to be more vigilant.

“Investigation has revealed that many criminal elements often hibernate in hotels to plan and execute their operations.”

Police said the management of the hotel linked to the case had been invited for questioning.

Public cooperation and next steps

Authorities also acknowledged the role of intelligence shared by residents in tracking the suspects.

The police encouraged continued reporting of suspicious activities through emergency lines.

The Commissioner further thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for supporting operations across commands.

What’s next

Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate still at large.

The case is expected to proceed to court once investigations are concluded.

Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says it has intercepted cocaine concealed in dried fish and seized multiple illicit drug consignments bound for the UK, in a series of coordinated operations across the country.

Cocaine hidden in dried fish uncovered

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said its operatives uncovered 5.8kg of cocaine hidden inside the heads of imported dry stock fish, locally known as “okporoko”.

The seizure followed a targeted operation by the agency’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) command in Lagos.

A 36-year-old suspect, Akputa Dickson Ejike, described by officials as a key member of an international drug syndicate, was arrested.

 “The cocaine was concealed in dry fish heads and was meant for export to Delhi, India,” the NDLEA said.

Authorities say the operation was based on intelligence about a cross-border trafficking network supplying drugs to international markets.

UK-bound shipments intercepted

In a separate operation, NDLEA officers intercepted two consignments destined for the United Kingdom at a courier company.

One shipment, which originated from Cotonou in Benin Republic, contained 1.9kg of methamphetamine hidden in automobile filters.

Another package contained 40 ampoules of morphine sulphate and nine ampoules of fentanyl—both powerful opioids linked to global drug abuse concerns.

Syndicate bust in Lagos

Operatives also raided a suspected drug distribution hub in Yaba, Lagos, arresting a 46-year-old woman, Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, and her associate.

Officials said 135 blocks of “Ghana Loud”, a potent strain of cannabis weighing 76.3kg, were recovered.

The suspect, also known as “Iya Ghana”, was described as a trader who allegedly ran a cross-border drug network between Nigeria and Ghana.

Another suspect, Anayo Lucky Ohabiro, was arrested in Surulere with 41kg of the same substance.

Arrests across states

The NDLEA reported additional arrests and seizures across several states:

In Ekiti, an 80-year-old man was arrested with methamphetamine and cannabis.

In Ondo, nearly 895kg of cannabis was recovered during a raid.

In Edo, a warehouse containing 576.5kg of cannabis and codeine syrup was uncovered.

In Benue, over 116kg of cannabis was seized.

In Taraba, a truck carrying 135kg of cannabis concealed in animal feed was intercepted.

Why it matters

The seizures highlight the scale and sophistication of drug trafficking networks operating in and through Nigeria.

They also point to the country’s role as both a transit and destination hub in the global narcotics trade, particularly for shipments bound for Europe and Asia.

Public health experts warn that substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine pose significant risks due to their high potency and addiction potential.

NDLEA response

The Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), commended officers involved in the operations.

“We must maintain a balance between reducing drug supply and addressing drug demand through prevention and education,” he said.

The agency added that its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continues nationwide, with sensitisation programmes held in schools across several states.

Industry and public perspective

Security analysts say the latest operations reflect improved intelligence-sharing and coordination among enforcement units.

However, they warn that sustained investment in border control, surveillance, and public awareness will be critical to long-term success.

What’s next

The NDLEA says investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider networks behind the intercepted consignments.

Authorities are also expected to strengthen monitoring of export channels and courier services used for trafficking.

The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested more than 270 suspects in a series of coordinated raids targeting criminal hideouts and drug hotspots in Warri, Uvwie, Jeddo, and Ughelli.

The operations, carried out on 25 and 26 March, are part of what police describe as an ongoing effort to dismantle criminal networks and curb illicit drug activities in the state.

Targeted raids across Warri and environs

Police said the first operation took place on 25 March, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, alongside tactical teams.

The raids focused on identified black spots in Warri South, Uvwie, and Okpe local government areas, including Ugbrumu and Jeddo communities.

A total of 59 suspects — 51 men and eight women — were arrested.

Authorities said some of those detained were linked to suspected cult activities, while others were found in locations described as criminal hideouts.

“Most of the hotels affected operate as brothels… creating a safe haven for criminal elements.”

Police also reported recovering substances suspected to include codeine, crack cocaine, “loud”, “colos”, and Indian hemp.

Ughelli raids yield over 200 more arrests

A second operation on 26 March targeted Ughelli town, focusing on locations known for drug-related activities.

These included Epini Hotel, Torsac Hotel, and Primaria Guest House along the Ughelli–Patani Expressway.

Police said 213 additional suspects were arrested during the raids.

Large quantities of substances suspected to be Canadian loud, CSC syrup, tramadol, swinol, and Indian hemp were recovered.

Officials added that some of the premises raided were allegedly being used as brothels and shelters for criminal groups.

What happens next

Police confirmed that all suspects and recovered items have been handed over to relevant units for investigation and possible prosecution.

They include officers at ‘A’ Division in Ughelli, the Rapid Response Squad, and the CP Special Assignment Team.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, said:

“All suspects found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”

Why it matters

The raids highlight growing concerns about the use of hotels and informal establishments as hubs for drug distribution and organised crime.

Security analysts say such operations could disrupt local criminal networks but stress that sustained intelligence-led policing and community cooperation are key to long-term impact.

For residents, the crackdown signals increased police presence in areas previously considered unsafe.

Public reaction and security concerns

Some community members have welcomed the arrests, saying they could help reduce crime and drug abuse.

However, others have raised concerns about the need to ensure due process and avoid wrongful arrests during large-scale operations.

Experts also warn that without rehabilitation programmes and economic opportunities, many suspects could return to crime.

What’s next

Police say similar operations will continue across Delta State, including Sapele and surrounding areas.

Authorities are also urging residents to provide timely and credible information to support crime prevention efforts.