The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 10,000 pills of the highly addictive drug known as “captagon” in Kwara State, alongside multiple arrests and drug recoveries across Nigeria.

The agency says the operation highlights growing attempts by trafficking networks to reintroduce the substance into the country.

Captagon, an amphetamine widely associated with conflict zones in the Middle East, is known for its stimulant effects that reduce fear and fatigue.

What happened in Kwara

NDLEA operatives intercepted the pills on 21 April 2026 during a patrol along Bode Saadu Road.

A 33-year-old suspect, Nasiru Mu’azu, was arrested after a search uncovered 10 packs of captagon amounting to 10,000 pills alongside other controlled drugs.

Days later, officers at the same location stopped another vehicle and found a hidden compartment containing tramadol capsules, injections, and other opioids.

A second suspect, Aminu Isah, 24, was taken into custody.

Cocaine trafficking attempt uncovered

In Oyo State, a separate operation revealed a suspected trafficking route linking Nigeria to North Africa and Europe.

A passenger, Eze Prince Emeka, 33, was arrested after a body scan confirmed he had ingested illicit drugs.

He later excreted 45 wraps of cocaine weighing over one kilogram.

Investigators say the suspect planned to transport the drugs through trans-Saharan routes, with Algeria as a transit point and Europe as a possible destination.

Nationwide seizures intensify

Across Nigeria, NDLEA reported several major seizures:

In Edo State, officers intercepted nearly 1.2 million opioid pills on the Benin-Lagos expressway.

In Cross River, operatives destroyed 20,000kg of cannabis on farmland.

In Ekiti, 466.8kg of cannabis was recovered from a suspect’s residence.

In Bauchi and Lagos, additional cannabis seizures totalling hundreds of kilograms were recorded.

In Niger State, officers seized 394 suspected improvised explosive device (IED) components from a suspect.

Authorities say the IED materials will be transferred to relevant security agencies for further investigation.

“Fuel for violence” – NDLEA chief

Chairman of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the captagon seizure as a major breakthrough.

“We are not just seizing pills; we are disrupting the fuel that powers violence in our communities.”

He warned that traffickers are attempting to revive supply chains that had been largely dormant since a major seizure at Apapa port five years ago.

“Our operatives remain on high alert across all frontiers to ensure this illicit trade finds no foothold.”

Why it matters

Security analysts say the reappearance of captagon is significant because of its links to armed groups.

The drug has reportedly been used in conflict zones to sustain fighters, raising concerns about its potential connection to insecurity if it spreads locally.

The scale of opioid and cannabis seizures also reflects the growing challenge of drug abuse in Nigeria, particularly among young people.

War Against Drug Abuse campaign

The NDLEA says it is combining enforcement with prevention through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

Recent awareness programmes were held in schools and communities across Niger, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, and Nasarawa states.

Officials say the approach is aimed at reducing both supply and demand.

What’s next

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with more arrests likely as they track supply chains and networks behind the seizures.

The NDLEA has also pledged to strengthen border surveillance and intelligence operations to prevent future trafficking attempts.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Satellite Town, raising fresh concerns about irregularities in Nigeria’s fuel distribution chain.

The suspects, aged between 33 and 43, were apprehended on 14 April at about 6:00 p.m., according to police sources.

Authorities say the group allegedly attempted to procure PMS at below the official depot price using false pretences, with the product belonging to AA Rano Nigeria Limited.

What happened

Police sources told journalists that the suspects brought five articulated trucks with different number plates to a depot as part of the alleged operation.

One of the suspects, who admitted involvement, said the group did not belong to any recognised union operating at the depot.

“We attempted to purchase over 60,000 litres of PMS using about 40 trucks, with suspicious pricing arrangements and unverified truck numbers,” he said.

The irregularities were detected by the company’s Chief Security Officer, who ordered their immediate arrest before handing them over to the police.

Police response and investigation

The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, directed that the case be transferred from Agboju Police Station to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti for further investigation.

The SCID, led by Dayo Akinbisehin, is now handling the case.

Police sources say investigations have been concluded and the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court soon.

The police command reiterated its “commitment to safeguarding lives and property” and urged the public to provide timely information.

Why it matters

Fuel distribution remains a sensitive sector in Nigeria’s economy, with PMS pricing and supply chains often vulnerable to fraud, diversion, and black-market activities.

Experts say such schemes can distort pricing, create artificial scarcity, and undermine trust in the system.

The swift detection of the alleged fraud highlights the role of private sector vigilance in supporting law enforcement efforts.

Industry reactions

The police commended AA Rano Nigeria Limited for promptly alerting authorities and preventing what could have been a larger-scale diversion.

Officials also urged other operators in the oil and gas sector to adopt similar proactive security measures.

Energy analysts note that collaboration between depot operators and security agencies is key to maintaining transparency and stability in fuel distribution.

What’s next

The suspects are expected to face prosecution in line with Nigerian law.

Authorities say further investigations could uncover wider networks or similar schemes within the sector.

The Delta State Police Command has ordered the summary trial of two officers captured in a viral video allegedly collecting money from a motorist using a POS machine inside a police station.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on 13 January 2026 at ‘C’ Division in Asaba, has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over police misconduct in Nigeria.

What happened

According to the police, the video shows officers demanding payment from a motorist within the station premises, an act the command described as “embarrassing” and “unprofessional.”

In a statement issued on 16 April 2026, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the conduct was “inexcusable and unpardonable.”

“The incident… is not only embarrassing but also unprofessional and conduct unbecoming of police officers. The command condemns the act in totality as no citizen deserved to be treated in such a manner by the police.”

Officers face disciplinary trial

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has ordered an orderly room trial for the officers involved Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim.

Police authorities say the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public once concluded.

“The orderly room trial of the officers… has commenced, and upon the conclusion of the disciplinary process, the outcome will be made public.”

Zero tolerance for extortion

The Commissioner reiterated that the action violates directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prohibit extortion and the use of POS or electronic payment platforms in police formations.

“No officer is authorized to demand or receive money from any member of the public under any guise.”

The command stressed that such practices undermine public trust and contradict ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

Why it matters

The case highlights persistent concerns about extortion and abuse of office among law enforcement officers in Nigeria.

Despite repeated reforms and public complaints channels, incidents like this continue to surface, often through viral social media videos.

For many Nigerians, the use of POS machines in police stations represents a new dimension of alleged extortion making transactions faster, traceable, and, in some cases, more brazen.

Public reaction and accountability

Civil society groups and citizens have increasingly relied on digital evidence to expose misconduct.

The Delta Police Command acknowledged the role of the public in bringing the incident to light.

“The CP appreciates concerned members of the public for bringing the actions of these recalcitrant officers to the notice of the command.”

Residents and advocacy groups say transparency in the outcome of the trial will be key to rebuilding trust.

What’s next

Police authorities say disciplinary measures will serve as a deterrent to other officers.

The Commissioner also reminded personnel to respect citizens’ rights in line with the 1999 Constitution.

Members of the public are encouraged to report misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit via 09155570008 and 09011112311.