The Ogun State Police Command says it has recovered three allegedly stolen vehicles and arrested two suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate operating within the state and neighbouring areas.

The suspects, identified as Mohammed Adeniyi Usman, also known as “Mandela”, 48, and Abiodun Ogunojukan, also known as “Ilasa”, 38, were arrested during separate operations carried out by officers from the Ifo and Sango Divisions.

Police authorities said the operation also led to the recovery of two live cartridges, foreign currencies, a So-Safe Corps uniform, an MP3 sound system, and a plasma television set.

The operation was led by the Divisional Police Officers of Ifo and Sango divisions, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi and CSP Idowu G. Olatunji.

How the Operation Unfolded

According to the police, detectives acted on intelligence linked to an earlier case of armed robbery and vehicle theft reported within the divisions’ jurisdictions.

On 10 May 2026, officers reportedly stormed a suspected hideout in the Adeleye area of Itele, Ota, where stolen vehicles were believed to be concealed.

Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said operatives arrived at about 4:00pm and discovered suspected stolen vehicles inside the premises before setting up surveillance around the location.

The operation later resulted in the arrest of Usman at about 10:35pm.

During a search of the property, officers recovered a Toyota Corolla belonging to a complainant, a Toyota Venza allegedly stolen at gunpoint in Abeokuta on 26 April, and a Honda Crosstour reportedly snatched during another robbery incident in Ijoko, Ota.

Police Link Suspects to Wider Criminal Syndicate

Investigators say preliminary findings suggest the suspects may be linked to a larger armed robbery and vehicle-snatching network operating in Ogun State and beyond.

A follow-up operation carried out on 11 May at the Sango-Ota Under Bridge led to the arrest of Ogunojukan.

Police said the suspect confessed to involvement in the crimes and provided information that could help authorities track down other fleeing members of the group and recover additional stolen vehicles.

“The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crimes and assisted the Police with useful information to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.”

The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCIID) in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution.

Why the Arrests Matter

Vehicle theft and armed robbery remain major security concerns in parts of Ogun State, particularly around border communities and busy transport corridors connecting Lagos and Ogun.

Security analysts say intelligence-led policing and inter-divisional collaboration are becoming increasingly important in tackling organised criminal networks involved in car theft and illegal trafficking.

Residents in Ifo, Ota, and Sango have repeatedly raised concerns over rising incidents of robbery attacks and vehicle snatching, especially along poorly lit roads and isolated residential areas.

The latest arrests may reassure residents and motorists, although security experts warn that sustained surveillance and public cooperation will be necessary to dismantle larger criminal networks.

Commissioner of Police Commends Officers

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the operation for what he described as professionalism and swift response.

In a statement released by the command, the commissioner reiterated the police force’s commitment to combating violent crime across the state.

“The CP reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and the sustained clampdown on criminal elements across the State.”

The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.

Emergency contact lines released by the command include the Gateway Shield toll-free line: 0800 000 9111.

What Happens Next?

Police authorities say investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow as detectives work to identify and apprehend other suspected members of the syndicate.

Recovered vehicles and other exhibits have reportedly been secured and documented pending further legal proceedings.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested three persons with disabilities (PWDs) in separate drug trafficking operations across Anambra and Kwara states, as operatives also uncovered a major cannabis stash house in Lekki, Lagos.

The agency said the Lagos operation led to the seizure of 2,326 kilograms of “Loud”, a potent strain of cannabis with an estimated street value of more than N5.8 billion.

The arrests and seizures were announced in a statement issued on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi.

Massive Lekki Drug Bust

According to the NDLEA, operatives from its Special Operations Unit raided a mansion at 36 African Lane in Lekki Phase 1 on Friday.

Officials said they recovered 4,000 parcels of Loud cannabis hidden inside the property.

Two Mercedes-Benz buses and packaging materials allegedly used for retail drug distribution were also seized.

The agency described the building as a “stash house” used for storing and distributing illegal drugs within Lagos and beyond.

Why it matters

The seizure highlights growing concerns among security agencies over the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking networks in Nigeria’s commercial hubs.

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and busiest port economy, has increasingly become a strategic transit point for narcotics traffickers targeting both domestic and international markets, according to security analysts.

Experts warn that the spread of synthetic and high-potency cannabis products among young Nigerians is becoming a major public health concern.

Three Persons With Disabilities Arrested

The NDLEA said one of the suspects, 60-year-old Romanus Nwabara, was arrested in Akpaka Forest, Onitsha, after officers allegedly found him with 250 grams of skunk packaged in retail sachets.

In a separate operation in Ogbunike, Anambra State, operatives arrested Amos Kenneth, 25, with tramadol, diazepam, Exol-5 tablets, and skunk.

Meanwhile, in Kwara State, officers intercepted a commercial vehicle along Bode Saadu road and arrested Usman Salisu after allegedly discovering 6.3 kilograms of skunk concealed in a school bag.

The NDLEA did not specify the nature of the disabilities of the suspects.

Public and advocacy perspectives

Disability rights advocates have repeatedly called for balanced public reporting involving persons with disabilities, warning against reinforcing stereotypes linking disability with criminality.

Social policy experts say economic hardship, unemployment, and social exclusion may contribute to vulnerability among some marginalised groups, including PWDs.

Additional Arrests Across Nigeria

The anti-drug agency also announced several other operations carried out in recent days.

In Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Osita Okeke, 38, was arrested in Nyanya Karu with 129 kilograms of skunk, according to the agency.

In Kogi State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commuter bus travelling to Abuja and reportedly recovered 766 kilograms of skunk hidden inside 76 jumbo bags.

Three suspects, Mathew Omohove, Ebuka Desmond, and Babangida Musa were arrested.

NDLEA Raids ‘Skuchies’ Factory in Lagos

In another operation in the Ijora Badia area of Lagos, officers raided what the agency described as a makeshift “skuchies” production factory.

Two suspects, Bose Jamiu and Gbenga Gege  were arrested while allegedly mixing cannabis with other illicit substances.

The NDLEA said officers recovered 270 litres of the substance and tramadol tablets from the site.

“Skuchies” is a street term commonly used for cocktails made from blackcurrant drinks mixed with narcotics and other psychoactive substances.

Health professionals have warned that abuse of such mixtures can cause severe mental and physical health complications, especially among teenagers and young adults.

NDLEA Expands Anti-Drug Campaigns

Beyond enforcement operations, the agency said it continued its nationwide “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) sensitisation programme in schools and communities.

The outreach campaigns were held in several institutions and communities across Nasarawa, Ekiti, Enugu, Abia, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Kano, and Oyo states.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations.

He praised what he described as a balance between drug supply reduction and public awareness campaigns.

“Their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities,” the NDLEA chairman said while urging officers nationwide to maintain the momentum.

What Happens Next?

The agency has not yet confirmed when the suspects will be formally charged in court.

Under Nigerian law, suspects remain innocent until proven guilty.

Security analysts expect intensified anti-narcotics operations in Lagos and other major transit corridors in the coming months as authorities seek to curb drug trafficking and abuse.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has uncovered a transnational criminal network accused of laundering hundreds of billions of naira from drug trafficking operations across Europe and Nigeria.

The operation, carried out with support from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement agencies in Switzerland, France and Greece, led to the arrest of alleged drug kingpin Amadi Simon in Switzerland and two suspected accomplices in Nigeria.

The suspects, identified as 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi were arrested in Anambra State and Agbor respectively on 28 April, according to the agency.

NDLEA officials say the arrests followed months of investigations into what authorities described as a sophisticated international money laundering operation tied to narcotics trafficking and financial crimes.

Why the case matters

The case is one of the biggest international drug-money investigations publicly announced by Nigerian authorities in recent years.

According to the NDLEA, investigators traced multiple luxury properties, hotel businesses, cryptocurrency wallets and bank accounts allegedly linked to the network.

Among the assets identified were:

Jovi Hotel in GRA Phase 1, Asaba

Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor

Jovi Apartment in Mabushi, Abuja

Authorities say several bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses connected to the syndicate have now been blocked.

Security analysts say the case highlights growing concerns over how organised criminal groups increasingly use cryptocurrencies, shell companies and international financial systems to conceal illicit proceeds.

“Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds.” — Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd)

NDLEA vows tougher crackdown

Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against international narcotics trafficking.

Speaking on the coordinated international operation, he said:

“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide.”

Marwa added that the success of the operation demonstrated the agency’s “zero-tolerance policy” towards crimes that threaten Nigeria’s economy, security and international reputation.

He also praised ongoing cooperation with the US government, saying the US mission in Nigeria had continued to support the agency with intelligence training, tactical operations support and investigative resources.

International cooperation at the centre

The operation reflects growing international collaboration against organised drug trafficking networks operating across Africa and Europe.

Experts say international criminal syndicates often move illicit proceeds through luxury real estate, hospitality businesses, shell firms and digital currencies to avoid detection.

Anti-money laundering specialists have repeatedly warned that weak financial oversight systems in developing economies can make countries vulnerable to criminal financial flows.

The NDLEA says investigations into the wider network are continuing, and more arrests and asset recoveries could follow.

What happens next?

Legal proceedings are expected to begin against the suspects in relevant jurisdictions, while Nigerian authorities continue asset tracing and financial investigations.

The case could also trigger broader scrutiny of suspected money laundering channels involving hospitality businesses and cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria.