A 93-year-old great-grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor have been arrested in a sweeping crackdown on drug trafficking networks by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The arrests were part of intensified intelligence-led operations targeting drug cartels and their collaborators across Nigeria.
In Abia State, NDLEA operatives apprehended Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, a nonagenarian, at his residence in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma Local Government Area, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. A search of his home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.
The suspect reportedly confessed to venturing into the illicit drug trade about a year ago after years of working as a truck pusher and later as a painter and tiler. He also admitted to having used cannabis since 1959.
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers uncovered an international drug trafficking link involving an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, 41, who was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms.
Michael, who was travelling on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan via Addis Ababa, allegedly ingested the drugs in a Kano hotel and was to be paid €5,000 upon successful delivery in Italy.
Further investigation exposed a Nigeria-based collaborator identified as Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, a 69-year-old medical doctor. He was subsequently arrested at his residence in Magboro, Ogun State, on March 27, 2026.
NDLEA operatives recovered 63 grams of promazepam and seven ampoules of promethazine injection from the doctor, believed to be connected to the drug trafficking operation.
The agency said the arrests highlight the growing involvement of diverse demographics, including elderly individuals and professionals, in drug-related crimes.
Meanwhile, NDLEA noted that its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign continues nationwide, complementing enforcement efforts.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers across multiple state commands, including Kano, Abia, Lagos, Ogun, and the FCT, for maintaining a balance between drug supply reduction and demand reduction strategies.
