The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted large consignments of opioids concealed in a truck carrying building materials in Taraba State and arrested several suspected drug traffickers across Nigeria, including a 75-year-old man in Ebonyi State.

The operations, carried out in multiple states over the past week, are part of the agency’s ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks and illicit substance distribution nationwide.

Massive opioid haul uncovered in Taraba

The biggest seizure was recorded in Taraba State, where NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck transporting building materials from Onitsha in Anambra State to Jalingo.

According to the agency, intelligence-led operations on Saturday led officers to conduct a detailed search of the vehicle at Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo, where a large cache of illicit drugs was discovered hidden beneath the cargo.

A 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested during the operation.

The recovered substances included:

– 320,840 capsules of tramadol

– 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection

– 4,500 tablets of Rohypnol

– 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup

The seizure represents one of the largest opioid interceptions announced by the agency in recent weeks.

Elderly suspect arrested in Ebonyi

In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 75-year-old man identified as Okebe Samuel in Okposi.

Officials said the suspect was found with 300 grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis, allegedly packaged in small retail quantities for sale.

The agency said the arrest demonstrates that enforcement efforts target offenders regardless of age.

Female suspects among those arrested

Several female suspects were also arrested during separate operations in Edo, Imo and other states.

In Imo State, officers raided a known drug enclave in Umulolo, Orlu, leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Chioma Okeke.

NDLEA said approximately eight kilograms of skunk were recovered during the raid.

Meanwhile, in Edo State, a coordinated sweep of drug hotspots across Benin City resulted in multiple arrests.

At Uyosa, operatives arrested Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, with quantities of skunk, Loud and methamphetamine.

Another suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was arrested along Agbor Road with suspected illicit substances, while 43-year-old Henry Okey was apprehended at Upper Mission with various psychotropic drugs.

Arrests in Kano and Gombe

In Kano State, NDLEA officers arrested 19-year-old Saifullahi Lawan at the Kafi area of Madobi.

Authorities said he was found with 40 blocks of skunk weighing approximately 38 kilograms.

In Gombe State, operatives intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Sabastine Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area.

The suspect was allegedly carrying 15,000 capsules of tramadol.

Why the seizures matter

Nigeria continues to face growing concerns over the abuse and illegal distribution of opioids, particularly tramadol and codeine-based substances.

Public health experts have repeatedly warned that widespread misuse of prescription and controlled drugs contributes to addiction, mental health challenges, crime and social instability.

Security analysts also note that disrupting supply chains remains a critical strategy in reducing access to illicit substances, especially among young people.

The latest NDLEA operations highlight the increasing sophistication of trafficking methods, with suspects concealing drugs in legitimate cargo and using multiple transportation routes across states.

NDLEA expands anti-drug awareness campaign

Beyond enforcement activities, the agency said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy programme in schools across the country.

Awareness lectures were delivered to students and staff of:

– Holiness Foundation Primary School, Saki, Oyo State

– Dorras High School, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State

– Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State

– Army Day Secondary School, Kano State

The programme aims to educate young Nigerians on the dangers of substance abuse and drug addiction.

Marwa commends officers

Reacting to the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised officers involved in the arrests and seizures.

“The agency remains fully committed to dismantling drug supply chains and will continue to target traffickers regardless of age, gender, or concealment methods.”

Marwa also commended personnel in Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano and Gombe states for what he described as their resilience and vigilance.

He urged commands nationwide to sustain a balance between reducing drug supply and preventing drug demand through public education and awareness campaigns.

What happens next?

The NDLEA is expected to continue investigations into the seized consignments and pursue potential links to wider trafficking networks.

Authorities say efforts will remain focused on intercepting illicit drugs before they reach communities while expanding preventive education programmes targeted at young people.

The Press Society (TPS) has announced plans to host a media sensitisation programme aimed at strengthening ethical journalism, professional standards and capacity building across Nigeria’s media landscape.

The organisation is calling on media practitioners, veteran journalists, communication professionals and students to register for the event, which will bring together experts and stakeholders from different segments of the communication industry.

According to TPS, the programme will provide a platform for discussions on media ethics, professional excellence and emerging trends shaping journalism in an increasingly digital world.

The initiative comes at a time when news organisations globally are grappling with challenges including misinformation, declining public trust in media and the rapid evolution of digital communication platforms.

Why it matters

Media experts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of ethical reporting in maintaining public confidence and ensuring accurate information reaches citizens.

Training and sensitisation programmes such as this are increasingly viewed as essential tools for helping journalists navigate complex issues, including fact-checking, responsible reporting and the ethical use of digital technologies.

TPS said the event is designed to provide participants with valuable learning opportunities while encouraging dialogue on challenges and best practices within the profession.

The organisers stated:

“The event will bring together industry experts, stakeholders, and aspiring media professionals for insightful discussions on media ethics, professional standards, and emerging issues shaping contemporary journalism and communication.”

The society added that the programme would also help foster networking opportunities among professionals at different stages of their careers.

Building professional capacity

According to TPS, the sensitisation programme will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building and collaboration among individuals committed to advancing responsible journalism.

The organisation noted:

“The sensitisation programme will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaboration among practitioners committed to advancing responsible and impactful journalism.”

Industry observers say such engagements can play a significant role in strengthening newsroom standards and encouraging greater accountability within the media sector.

For students and early-career journalists, the programme could also provide direct access to experienced practitioners and mentors, offering practical insights into the realities of modern journalism.

Registration details

Interested participants have been encouraged to register ahead of the programme through the designated registration portal.

Registration Link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N_9i6uF3BBL_nYathe8ais0Ia0CYfpF7Lgue40vlrM0/edit?usp=drivesdk

TPS urged eligible participants not to miss the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, expand professional networks and contribute to the continued development of journalism and communication practice.

What’s next?

The event is expected to attract journalists, communication experts, academics and students from across the country, creating a forum for discussions on the future of journalism and the role of ethics in maintaining public trust.

As the media industry continues to evolve, initiatives focused on professional development and ethical standards are likely to remain central to efforts aimed at strengthening journalism’s role in society.

Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the sister of former Nigerian Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have been rescued after spending three days in captivity following their abduction in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that Mrs. Adegoke and her sons, Peter and Paul, were rescued unharmed during a coordinated operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) on Saturday evening.

The victims were abducted on June 3, 2026, while Mrs. Adegoke was reportedly driving her children to school in Ibadan, an incident that triggered concern among relatives, friends and residents across Oyo State.

Three Days of Anxiety

For family members, the abduction marked the beginning of an anxious wait for news of the mother and her children.

The disappearance of the trio drew widespread attention, particularly because of Mrs. Adegoke’s relationship to Adelabu, a prominent political figure in Oyo State and a former member of the Federal Executive Council.

As concern mounted, security agencies launched efforts to trace the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victims.

Intelligence-Led Rescue Operation

According to the police, the rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical operations that enabled investigators to track the movements of the kidnappers.

The operation culminated in a confrontation between the suspected abductors and FID-IRT operatives in Ibadan at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Police said two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during the exchange, while two rifles were recovered from the scene.

“The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support,” the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said in a statement issued from Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Relief for Family and Supporters

The successful rescue has brought relief to family members and supporters who had been hoping for the safe return of Mrs. Adegoke and her children.

While details of their ordeal in captivity have not been disclosed, authorities confirmed that all three victims were rescued without physical harm.

The police said they are currently receiving medical attention and psychological support following the traumatic experience.

Security experts note that kidnapping victims, especially children, often require emotional and medical care after such incidents, even when they are rescued unharmed.

Inspector-General Commends Operatives

The Inspector-General of Police praised officers involved in the operation, commending their professionalism, courage and determination.

According to the statement, the efforts of the FID-IRT and other security personnel were instrumental in ensuring the safe rescue of the victims.

The police chief also reiterated the Force’s commitment to combating violent crimes and protecting lives and property across the country.

Hunt for Remaining Suspects Continues

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate believed to have escaped during the operation.

Preliminary intelligence suggests that some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds.

Security operatives have intensified surveillance and search operations in and around the area as investigators work to dismantle the network behind the abduction.

“Operations are ongoing to track, arrest and bring all involved to justice,” the police statement added.

Growing Concerns Over Kidnapping

The incident has once again highlighted concerns about kidnapping and violent crime in parts of Nigeria, where families, commuters and schoolchildren have increasingly become targets of criminal groups.

Security analysts say the successful rescue demonstrates the importance of intelligence-led policing but also underscores the need for continued efforts to prevent abductions before they occur.

They argue that stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies remains critical to identifying threats early and improving public safety.

A Family Reunited

For Mrs. Adegoke and her twin sons, the rescue marks the end of a frightening chapter that began during a routine journey to school.

After three days of uncertainty, the family can now begin the process of recovery and healing.

For many observers, the most important outcome is that a mother and her children have been reunited with their loved ones and given a second chance to return to normal life.