Niger Delta

NDLEA Apprehends 312 Suspects … Seizes 803.672 kg Of Drugs In A’Ibom

Published

3 months ago

June 27, 2025

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested 312 suspects and seized 803.672 kg of hard drugs between June 2024 and May 2025 in Akwa Ibom State.

The State’s Commander of NDLEA, Mrs Obot Bassey, disclosed this during a press conference marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Uyo.

The Tide’s source reports that the theme for this year’s observance, is “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention, #Break the Circle.”

The Commander said the theme was a shift from reaction to prevention, based on strategies, data, research and evidence.

According to her, from June 2024 to May 2025, we have arrested 312 suspects made up of 261 males and 51 females and we have seized 803. 672 kg of drugs.

“We have prosecuted and convicted 38 drug offenders and we have carried out drug addiction prevention programmes at 91 locations across Akwa Ibom state; we have rehabilitated 43 males and counselled 179 persons”, she said.

Bassey said drug abuse was not just a criminal issue but public health issue, stressing that prevention is a shared responsibility.

She called on parents, educators, religious leaders and community members to join hands in creating a supportive environment that foster healthy lifestyles and deter drug use.

She said apart from enforcing the laws, they should also ensure the protection of the future of Nigerian children.

Bassey reminded the youth that drug negatively imapct people’s health and their wellbeing in the society.

She called on the government, philanthropists, individuals and institutions to invest massively in drug use preventive measures.

The Commander commended the state government for their support and appealed for logistics vehicles to enable the command to move across the 31 local government areas of the state.

She, however, said that this year’s theme called for the continuation of sustained investment in prevention and thanked sister security agencies in the state for their collaboration in ensuring a drug free society.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.