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Crime

Abductions surge: Northern govs demand mining suspension, unveil N228bn security fund

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Northern governors and traditional rulers on Monday called for a six-month suspension of mining activities across the region, blaming illegal mining for the worsening insecurity in many states.

The northern leaders also announced plans to mobilise N228bn to fight bandits terrorising communities across the region.

Under the arrangement, each state and its local governments will contribute N1bn monthly, to be deducted at source under an agreed framework.

This means that the 19 northern states will raise N228bn annually.

They said the fund would provide sustainable financing for joint operations, intelligence-driven interventions and coordinated security responses across the North.

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These were contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.

In recent weeks, multiple school raids have rocked the region, leaving families traumatised and several communities deserted.

No fewer than 500 students and residents have been kidnapped by criminal gangs from schools and communities, forcing authorities to shut down schools in several states.

On November 17, 2025, armed men attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 24 schoolgirls. The school’s vice-principal was killed during the attack. The students were freed a few days later.

Four days later, on November 21, gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community, Agwara LGA of Niger State, abducting hundreds of pupils and staff.

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Church and local officials later confirmed that 303 students and 12 teachers were taken away.

The escalating attacks prompted several states to order the temporary closure of schools in Kebbi, Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Niger, Katsina and Kwara states. The Federal Government also ordered the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.

In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu last Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, directing immediate recruitment by the army, police and intelligence agencies.

He also urged the National Assembly to begin the process of legalising state police to curb kidnappings and terrorist attacks.

At Monday’s meeting, the northern leaders endorsed the state policing initiative, reversing decades of political opposition to multi-level policing.

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The meeting, chaired by the Governor of Gombe State and NSGF Chairman, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, had in attendance the 19 northern governors and chairmen of the 19 states’ traditional councils.

The high-level meeting was attended by Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Inuwa Yahaya( Gombe), Umar  Namadi (Jigawa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), and Usman Ododo (Kogi), while others were represented by their deputies.

The participants insisted that decentralised policing had become inevitable.

“The Forum reaffirms its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of state police,” the communiqué stated, urging federal and state lawmakers from the region to “expedite action for its actualisation.”

On illegal mining, the forum asserted that criminal mining networks were fuelling violence and providing resources for armed groups.

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As a corrective measure, they asked President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining activities to allow for a full audit and revalidation of licences.

“The Forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria,” it said. “We strongly recommend a suspension of mining exploration for six months to allow proper audit and to arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining.”

To strengthen the fight against insecurity, the governors also announced the creation of a regional Security Trust Fund.

“Each of the 19 Northern states and their local governments will contribute N1bn monthly, to be deducted at source, into a dedicated security fund. The framework for the fund will be finalised soon,” the communiqué added.

The forum commended the President for securing the release of recently abducted schoolchildren and praised the sacrifices of the armed forces.

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They pledged their “renewed and total support” for military action to eliminate insurgent enclaves.

They also extended sympathies to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Borno and Yobe states over recent killings, abductions and Boko Haram attacks.

Speaking at the opening session, Governor Yahaya warned that insecurity had reached a point where “the future of the northern region is being mortgaged.”

He emphasised that the crisis was multi-layered, driven by years of underdevelopment, weak policing and economic hardship. “The targeting of our schools is a direct assault on our collective future,” he said.

He also warned that failure to address the rising population of out-of-school children and the persistence of the Almajiri system would continue to fuel radicalisation.

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The NSGF chairman praised Tinubu for “leaving no stone unturned” in efforts to secure the release of abducted students.

He reiterated that only massive investments in infrastructure — roads, rail lines, power and digital connectivity — would unlock the region’s economic growth.

Yahaya also stressed the governors’ long-standing support for state policing, citing its inclusion in their May 2025 communiqué.

Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the governors to double their efforts and work with absolute unity to rescue the North from its mounting challenges.

He dismissed speculations that the meeting was an emergency intervention triggered by recent attacks, saying it had been long scheduled for review and assessment.

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“This meeting was supposed to be held in September but was put off a couple of times for various reasons. It is not an emergency meeting,” he explained.

The Sultan expressed the full support of the traditional institution for the governors, pledging collaboration in the fight against insecurity, poverty and social dislocation.

“As leaders, we need to tell ourselves the truth. But I want to assure you — just listen to the governors — we are 100 per cent with you in this drive to make the North a better place because we don’t have any other place to be,” he said.

He urged political leaders to resist divisive tendencies and remain open to constructive criticism, saying that “listen to critics. Listen to criticisms. Make amendments whenever they arise.”

Abubakar said traditional rulers would continue offering counsel and support when needed. “You have our confidence, you have our trust. You can reach out to us any time of the day,” he told the governors.

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He also renewed his call for continuous prayers for national leaders.“Please pray for our leaders. When you pray for them, and they do good things, we all enjoy it.”

NSA visits Niger school

Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday visited the Proprietor of St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara LGA, Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora Diocese.

The NSA was at the school to commiserate with the authorities over the abduction of more than 265 students and teachers.

He was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Bernard Doro, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Northern Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab.

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Ribadu told parents and school officials that the abducted children were safe and would return soon, assuring them that security had been strengthened in the area.

“This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us… Mr President is in pain. He suspended his journey to focus on this,” Ribadu said.

He urged unity in the face of the attack, saying, “Let us not allow bad people to divide us.”

Ribadu praised Bishop Yohanna for his resilience, adding that international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom and France, were offering support.

“The children will come back safely. Evil will not win,” he assured.

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Earlier, Bishop Yohanna thanked the NSA and President Tinubu for their visit and presented a report before proceeding into a closed-door meeting.

FCT police foil attack, arrest suspect

In another development, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has foiled a planned attack on an unnamed community following a targeted operation by its Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

The operation followed a surge in kidnappings in the ACO community in Gwagwalada and in Bwari, prompting the Commissioner of Police to order intensified efforts to dismantle the network behind the attacks.

FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said intelligence later revealed that the gang had fixed another raid for December 1, with plans to abduct residents for ransom.

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Acting on the tip-off, operatives on November 30 arrested a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as Boko. His mobile phone, allegedly used to coordinate gang activities, was recovered.

Investigations linked Umar to earlier attacks in ACO, Dupa and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple robberies in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. He reportedly admitted that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, ahead of the planned assault.

Adeh said the Anti-Kidnapping Unit moved into the forest around 11:01 p.m., laid an ambush and came under fire from the heavily armed gang. A 30-minute gun duel followed, during which three bandits were killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Recovered items included three AK-47 rifles, three magazines and 33 rounds of live ammunition.

She added that police and troops of the Army’s 176 Battalion had launched a joint operation to comb the forest and block escape routes, while medical centres were directed to report persons with gunshot injuries.

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Bandits levy Sokoto villages

Residents of Bakale village in Kilgori district, Yabo LGA of Sokoto State, are panicking after suspected bandits demanded a ₦20m levy from the community.

An audio message circulating on social media captured the gang leader directing the village head to mobilise payment, warning that refusal would trigger attacks and mass abductions.

A community leader said Bakale was not the only settlement under pressure, listing affected villages across Kilgori and Torankawa districts, including Bazar, Alkalije, Gari, Dagel, Adarawa, Kwaidaza, Runji, Tudu, Tile, Kibiyare and Barmadu. Levies reportedly range from ₦3m to ₦20m.

He added that recent attacks left six people dead in Alkalije and four in Tile.

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The spokesperson of the Sokoto Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, did not respond to calls seeking comment.

Ekiti urges calm, says borders fortified

The Ekiti State Government has urged residents to remain calm despite reports of bandit activity in neighbouring Kogi and Kwara states.

Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), told journalists after a quarterly security meeting that Ekiti remained “one of the safest states,” citing increased military and police presence along border towns and improved intelligence networks.

He said traditional rulers and local government chairmen had been briefed to reassure residents and escalate credible information promptly.

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“We want our people to be vigilant and report anything unusual. We have the resources to verify every piece of information,” he said.

Ogundana added that the state was working to prevent the spill-over of attacks affecting farmers, herders and rural communities in neighbouring states.

Ondo boosts Amotekun operations

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing security, pledging continued support for the Amotekun Corps.

Speaking at the inauguration of the corps’ Command and Control Centre and Training Auditorium in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said the facility would strengthen intelligence coordination, tactical readiness and rapid response.

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He praised Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, for his leadership and promised more logistics, welfare and training support. He also lauded the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, for championing Amotekun’s establishment.

Adeleye said the corps’ evolution since 2020 showed that local security structures—with strong political backing—could tackle emerging threats. The governor recently approved the recruitment of 500 new officers.

Enugu deploys drones

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, on Monday, unveiled two long-range security drones, 10 patrol vans, 40 motorbikes and 400 bullet-proof helmets and vests to boost operations.

Speaking at the Command and Control Centre, Mbah said despite an 80 per cent drop in violent crimes, more equipment was needed to fight rising kidnapping incidents, especially in Udenu and border communities with Benue and Kogi.

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The drones, equipped with day and night-vision cameras, will support surveillance in high-risk areas.

Security operatives are expected to begin expanded patrols and aerial monitoring immediately.

Kebbi steps up NYSC camp security

The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, has strengthened security at the NYSC orientation camp in Basaura, Jega LGA.

During a visit to the camp, he warned security personnel against complacency and emphasised inter-agency collaboration for a safe orientation exercise. A closed-door review of the camp’s security architecture was held with military and government officials.

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Police spokesperson Nafi’u Kotarkoshi said discussions focused on early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms.

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Crime

Elder Ubochi Killing Raises Fresh Concerns Over Political Violence Ahead of 2027 in Ebonyi

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The reported killing of an elderly man identified as Elder Onwe Ubochi of Ngbo has sparked fresh concerns over political violence and the safety of citizens and political actors in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to accounts surrounding the incident, Ubochi had attended a political gathering in Ohaukwu/Ebonyi Federal Constituency organised in support of an APGA candidate, where he was reportedly invited to lead an open prayer.

He was allegedly attacked and killed later that night, with reports also alleging that his mouth was mutilated.

The circumstances surrounding the killing, however, have not been independently established, while the identities and motives of those responsible remain unknown and subject to police investigation.

If the reported circumstances are confirmed, the incident would raise serious concerns about the safety of political supporters and citizens participating in lawful political activities.

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The development has also prompted calls for the Inspector-General of Police to order a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ubochi’s death.

Among the questions investigators are being urged to establish are who organised and attended the gathering, when and where Ubochi was last seen alive, who was responsible for his movement after the event, and whether the killing was politically motivated.

There are also calls for investigators to determine whether the deceased had received any threats before his death and whether security lapses contributed to the incident.

Meanwhile, PDP chieftain Hon. Emmanuel Nwobo has reportedly raised concerns over the political atmosphere in parts of Ebonyi State, including Ohaukwu and Ezza South, during appearances on four television stations.

Calls are also growing for Governor Francis Nwifuru to consider establishing an independent panel to examine allegations of political violence and intimidation in the affected areas.

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Supporters of the proposal say such a panel should investigate allegations from all political sides, hear from victims and witnesses, review previous incidents and recommend measures to prevent further violence.

The calls come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

Stakeholders have urged political leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups to work towards maintaining peace and ensuring that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence.

They also stressed the need for political campaigns to remain within the bounds of the law, with disputes resolved through lawful democratic processes rather than retaliation.

The family of the late Elder Ubochi has meanwhile been urged to be allowed to determine arrangements concerning his remains in accordance with their wishes, traditions and applicable law.

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Those calling for justice said the immediate priority should be establishing the circumstances of his death, identifying those responsible and ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the law.

The reported killing has therefore become another point of concern for stakeholders seeking a peaceful electoral environment in Ebonyi ahead of 2027.

The central demand from those calling for an investigation is that political participation must not expose citizens to violence and that any allegation of politically motivated killing should be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities.

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Crime

Man Electrocuted While Allegedly Vandalising Transformer in Enugu

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By Our Reporter

ENUGU — The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, identified as Nnaji Chidiebere, after he was allegedly electrocuted while attempting to vandalise a transformer in Obollo-Afor, Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

Chidiebere was arrested on August 17, 2026, after residents reportedly alerted the police that a man had been trapped inside a transformer along Ogbaike Road at about 2:20 p.m.

Following the alert, operatives of the Udenu Police Division mobilised to the scene and found the suspect unconscious and suffering from various degrees of burns.

The police said he was immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital, where he was resuscitated before being referred to a specialist hospital for further treatment.

According to the Command, the suspect regained consciousness and identified himself as Nnaji Chidiebere, claiming that he had been alone at the scene.

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However, preliminary investigations have allegedly linked him to transformer vandalism in the area, with the police saying further investigations are underway to establish the full extent of his activities and identify possible accomplices.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended members of the community for promptly alerting the police, saying their intervention enabled operatives to respond quickly, rescue and arrest the suspect.

Giwa reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information about suspicious activities in their communities.

The police said the suspect would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.

SP Daniel Ndukwe, mnipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Command
August 18, 2026

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Crime

Gunmen Storm Sokoto community, Kill 28, Army GOC visits

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At least 28 people, including the Chief Imam of Ungushi Izala Jumu’at Mosque, Imam Aliyu, were reportedly killed when bandits attacked Ungushi community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Sunday evening.

The attack came amid renewed security concerns in Kebbe, where communities have recently faced threats from armed groups allegedly linked to the Lakurawa terrorist organisation.

Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said it was difficult to ascertain the actual number of victims.

He, however, said no fewer than 28 corpses were recovered in the aftermath of the incident.

Residents said the attackers invaded Ungushi in the evening and opened fire on residents, killing 22 people, mostly civilians.

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The killing of Imam Aliyu, a respected religious leader in the community, has particularly shocked residents, who said the victims included farmers, traders, religious leaders and other members of the community.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said, “These are ordinary people. They are farmers, traders, religious leaders and family members. They have done nothing to deserve this.”

Another source said the attack had heightened fear among residents, with some families fleeing their homes following reports of fresh displacement from neighbouring communities.

“People are no longer sleeping peacefully. Families are leaving their homes because they fear another attack. We need urgent intervention before more communities are deserted,” the source said.

The latest killings followed reports on Friday that a large number of armed men on motorcycles had entered parts of Kebbe LGA, allegedly attacking residents, looting shops and damaging property.

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The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed that an incident occurred in the area but said it was still gathering information before issuing a detailed statement.

Amid the renewed threats, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Bemgba Koughna, visited the Forward Operating Base, Kebbe, on Sunday, to assess the security situation and reassure residents of the readiness of troops to confront the threats.

Koughna also met community leaders and residents, listened to their concerns and reviewed the security situation in the area.

He said the Nigerian Army had adjusted its security architecture to prevent further infiltration by terrorists and protect vulnerable communities.

“Troops remain fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property,” the GOC said.

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He added that measures had been put in place to ensure emerging threats were quickly identified and contained before they escalated.

“The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its determination to respond swiftly and decisively to any emerging threats,” Koughna said.

The Army chief assured residents that terrorist elements would not be allowed to establish safe havens in Kebbe and its surrounding communities.

“We will continue to maintain a robust presence in this area and ensure that our troops remain ready to respond to any threat to the peace and security of the people,” he said.

Koughna urged residents not to panic and appealed for stronger collaboration between the military and communities, particularly through timely sharing of credible intelligence.

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“Community support remains a critical component in detecting, disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks before they can launch attacks,” he said.

He urged community leaders and residents to report suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons and other activities that could pose security threats.

The GOC reiterated the commitment of troops to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure in Kebbe and other vulnerable communities within the operational area.

“We will not allow criminal elements to intimidate our people or disrupt their livelihoods. Our troops are prepared and will continue to operate with determination and professionalism,” he said.

Residents, however, called for sustained military presence and intelligence-led operations to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the affected communities.

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A community leader said continued attacks were disrupting social and economic activities in the area.

“People cannot farm, children are afraid to go to school, and families are abandoning their homes. If nothing is done urgently, we may witness the complete displacement of these communities,” he said.

The Army’s operational assessment formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security around Kebbe and other vulnerable communities following recent incidents in the area.

The visit was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba.

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NDLEA Busts International Cocaine Cartel, Arrests ‘KC Luxury’ as He Flees Nigeria

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel that allegedly used Nigeria as a transit hub for moving illicit drugs to the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and Asia.

The agency also arrested the alleged Nigerian arrowhead of the syndicate, a self-styled luxury goods dealer and social media influencer, Afolabi Michael, popularly known online as “KC Luxury,” as he attempted to flee the country.

A statement by the agency spokesman, Femi Babafemi, on Tuesday, said the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd.), disclosed this while addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday.

Marwa described the operation as one of the most significant narcotics investigations undertaken by the agency in recent times, saying it led to the seizure of 184.50kg of cocaine, the largest cocaine seizure made through a courier company in Nigeria.

According to him, the operation began with the interception of the cocaine consignment concealed for onward export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos.

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He said following the seizure, he directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to trace the entire network behind the shipment, from the couriers to the masterminds.

Marwa said the cartel hoped to realise as much as N39bn from the consignment through its international distribution network.

“The operation began with the interception of a consignment of 184.50 kilograms of cocaine concealed for onward export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos. Given the scale of the seizure.

“I immediately directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team, with a mandate to trace the entire network behind the shipment, from the couriers to the masterminds.

“The cartel was hoping to realise as much as N39 billion from the consignment through their international distribution network, ” the statement quoted Marwa as saying.

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Working with the management of the courier company involved, Marwa said NDLEA operatives unravelled a network of intermediary companies and individuals used to process the consignment, leading to the arrest of two key suspects, among others.

“The first, Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a staff member of the logistics firm through which the cocaine was processed, was found to have a direct and sustained relationship with the cartel’s Nigerian coordinator. Investigation also established that he packages and processes consignments for the syndicate, routes them to the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and Asia, while he was paid in cash.

“The second and more prominent suspect is Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known online as “KC Luxury,” whom investigations identified as the Nigerian arrowhead of the cartel. Parading as a social media influencer and businessman dealing in gold, jewellery, and luxury goods, Afolabi used his glamorous public image to disguise a criminal enterprise moving cocaine along a pipeline stretching from South America, through Nigeria, to the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and Asia,” Marwa said.

Marwa said Afolabi was arrested at the boarding gate of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on August 13, 2026, after intelligence indicated that he planned to flee the country on a business-class flight to Paris.

He said the suspect was found in possession of €7,750, £2,800 and N100,000 cash, as well as expensive jewellery.

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A subsequent search of his luxury apartment on Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, also led to the recovery of exotic vehicles, according to the NDLEA boss.

Marwa said investigations further showed that the cartel used false identities to conceal the true consignors of its shipments and relied on financial facilitators who moved billions of naira on its behalf.

He added that the syndicate maintained criminal contacts in the UK, some of whom had been arrested by British authorities in connection with the same cartel.

The NDLEA boss linked the operation to recent successes against transnational drug networks, including the dismantling of the Switzerland-based Simon Amadi drug cartel, which allegedly laundered millions of dollars through dark web marketplaces, as well as the takedown of two Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine syndicates operating clandestine laboratories in forests in Ogun and Oyo states.

Marwa said the latest operation demonstrated that drug traffickers could no longer hide behind luxury lifestyles, forests, ports or courier companies.

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“These operations send an unmistakable signal that this Agency’s reach extends into the ports, the forests, the luxury apartments, and the departure lounges alike, and that no sanctuary exists anywhere in Nigeria for those who traffic in poison,” he said.

He noted that drug trafficking organisations had recently shifted from seaports and airports, where scrutiny had intensified, to courier and logistics companies, which they allegedly considered less monitored channels for moving narcotics across international borders.

Marwa said the dismantling of the cartel, from the interception of the cocaine consignment to the arrest of its alleged Nigerian coordinator, demonstrated the agency’s capacity to detect traffickers wherever they operated.

“There is no alternative route into or out of Nigeria for illicit drugs that this Agency cannot police,” he stated.

The NDLEA chief also described the operation as a product of international cooperation, noting the near-simultaneous arrests of suspected cartel members in Nigeria and the UK.

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He commended the agency’s international partners and members of the Special Investigation Team, coordinated by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, for their professionalism in unravelling the syndicate.

Marwa warned individuals who use luxury brands, glamorous lifestyles and social media personas to conceal drug trafficking activities that the agency would track them down.

“To those who believe they can hide behind luxury brands, glamorous lifestyles, and social media personas while trafficking poison into our communities and across our borders, this Agency will find you,” he said.

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Enugu Govt Urges Residents to Use 112 Emergency Line as Crime Drops by 80%

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The Enugu State Government has urged residents to make use of the 112 toll-free emergency line to access prompt security services anywhere in the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Security, Mr Vincent Onyeabor, made the call on Monday during an ongoing journalists’ tour of projects executed by the state government.

The journalists visited various workstations at the Command-and-Control Centre in Enugu, where Onyeabor explained how the state’s emergency response system operates.

He said the state had adopted the National Emergency Number 112 as its official emergency security services line, with a dedicated workstation at the Command-and-Control Centre receiving calls round the clock.

According to him, personnel manning the 112 workstation work in shifts to ensure that emergency reports are promptly received, processed and escalated to the appropriate security agencies for immediate action.

“The 112 toll-free line section can trigger action in terms of security emergency situations.

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“The section will escalate the information received to the Command-and-Control Centre, Enugu, which can use the state-wide fibre cameras to trace the security or crime situation.

“The section can also escalate the information to the nearest Distress Response Squad (DRS) vehicle to take action,” he said.

Onyeabor urged residents to take advantage of the emergency line and continue to report security incidents to enable the authorities to respond quickly.

“Our people should take advantage of the 112 toll-free line as we want the calls to keep coming,” he said.

He added that residents could also contact the security response team through 09134666668 and 09134448093.

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Onyeabor further attributed an estimated 80 per cent reduction in crime in the state to the government’s investment in technology-driven security infrastructure.

He listed the fibre-enabled surveillance cameras, Command-and-Control Centre, 112 emergency response system, drone technology and mobile statewide DRS squad among the measures deployed to strengthen security across the state.

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