The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 4,959 kilograms of Canadian Loud cannabis valued at N12.397bn at the Apapa Port in Lagos and dismantled a syndicate that plants illicit drugs in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers at motor parks.

The agency also arrested a businesswoman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with 7.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the false bottom of her luggage while she was travelling to Beijing, China.

NDLEA disclosed the arrests and seizures in a statement released yesterday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

According to the agency, 38-year-old Iwebema Ogechi Peace was arrested at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport on June 21 following credible intelligence.

The statement said, “A search of her check-in luggage led to the discovery of four large parcels of cocaine concealed in false bottom professionally created in her bag. The parcels of the Class A drug found hidden in the bag have a combined weight of 7.5 kilograms.”

The agency said operatives had tracked the container carrying the Canadian Loud shipment for over four weeks before intercepting it during a joint examination with officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies at the Apapa Port on June 23.

It stated, “A total of 4,959 kilograms of the illicit drug consignment worth N12,397,500,000 in street value was recovered.”

NDLEA said the 40-foot container, which also contained a Ford and Nissan vehicle, had been under surveillance since April 25, when it departed Toronto, Canada, before passing through Montreal and Morocco and eventually arriving in Lagos.

The agency also announced the dismantling of a drug syndicate that secretly plants narcotics in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers travelling by road.

The operation followed the interception of a Sienna bus travelling from Nnewi, Anambra State, to Abuja, where operatives recovered a package of methamphetamine weighing 467.7 grams concealed inside a passenger’s luggage.

According to the statement, the supposed receiver of the package, Gloria Peter, denied ownership of the drugs, prompting investigators to arrest the bus loaders in Nnewi.

“The loaders revealed that the drug package was put into the woman’s bag by one of them on the directive of the driver of the bus, Abdurrazak Isah.

“His revelations made the driver open up and mention one of his passengers, Onyebuchi Victor Okoye, as the actual owner of the drug. Onyebuchi was then picked up at Utako, FCT, during another follow-up operation,” the statement said.

In another operation, NDLEA operatives arrested 57-year-old Ikechukwu Uwakwe at Iddo Motor Park in Lagos with 209.5 kilograms of Scottish Loud cannabis allegedly being transported to Enugu.

The agency also arrested two nationals of the Benin Republic, Hossou Tito Julien, 30, and Mancellim Dossou, 19, alongside a Nigerian, Jackson ThankGod, after intercepting a truck conveying illicit drugs from Togo through the Benin Republic.

“A thorough search of the truck led to the recovery of 558,900 pills of Tramadol 250mg concealed in a fabricated compartment of the vehicle,” the statement said.

Similarly, two suspects, Lucky Abonga and Osas Azamobo, were arrested along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while transporting 118 kilograms of skunk concealed among legitimate goods in a truck heading to Onitsha, Anambra State.

In Amukoko, Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Helen Ese Idiji, 40, and Rashidat Sa’adullah, 53, with 28.8 kilograms of skunk.

The agency said investigations revealed that Helen used Rashidat’s residence as a storage point for illicit drugs before distributing them to customers.

Commending the officers involved in the operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the commands for sustaining the agency’s offensive against drug trafficking.

Marwa said the officers had maintained “their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitisation activities,” and urged them “not to rest on their oars.”

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.