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NDLEA arrests two drug kingpins in Lagos, seizes cocaine, heroine
Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested two suspected drug kingpins in Lagos and seized multiple consignments of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine being prepared for export to Europe.
According to a statement released by the NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday, the men were arrested for allegedly leading separate drug syndicates, as revealed in weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the Agency’s Special Operations Unit (SOU).
“While 64-year-old Nwosa parades himself as a successful textile merchant, 49-year-old Obiegbu is known to many as a businessman who is into wine distribution, but beneath their outward appearance is their hidden illicit drug business unearthed by NDLEA operatives after months of intelligence gathering on the two syndicates led by them,” the statement read.
Babafemi also reported major interceptions in other states. In Borno, 26-year-old Baba Kaka Ibrahim was arrested on 27 September with 39,380 pills of tramadol and exol-5 hidden in the engine compartment of a Mercedes-Benz GLK.
That same day in Yobe, operatives seized 39 parcels of Colorado weighing 1.4kg from a lady, Halima Adamu, on the Damaturu–Maiduguri road, leading to the arrest of another suspect in Maiduguri.
In Kano, the agency said it arrested two men with 30,030 pills of tramadol, while in Bayelsa, three suspects were caught at Swali jetty with 12kg of cannabis and 50 cartridges.
In Kaduna, Lagos and Abuja, the statement said, “a suspect Adedamola Olayeni, 56, was on Monday, 22nd September, arrested with 404 blocks of skunk weighing 262.6kg at the Abuja – Kaduna tollgate. The consignment was found in his Honda Pilot jeep marked MKA 499 TT, coming from Osogbo, Osun state and heading to Katsina state.
That same day in Yobe, operatives seized 39 parcels of Colorado weighing 1.4kg from a lady, Halima Adamu, on the Damaturu–Maiduguri road, leading to the arrest of another suspect in Maiduguri.
In Kano, the agency said it arrested two men with 30,030 pills of tramadol, while in Bayelsa, three suspects were caught at Swali jetty with 12kg of cannabis and 50 cartridges.
In Kaduna, Lagos and Abuja, the statement said, “a suspect Adedamola Olayeni, 56, was on Monday, 22nd September, arrested with 404 blocks of skunk weighing 262.6kg at the Abuja – Kaduna tollgate. The consignment was found in his Honda Pilot jeep marked MKA 499 TT, coming from Osogbo, Osun state and heading to Katsina state.
In Edo State, NDLEA destroyed more than 24 tonnes of cannabis plants in large forest farms, arrested suspects, and intercepted a truck carrying 1,025kg of concealed skunk along the Wareke–Auchi road.
Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) commended officers for the series of successful operations across Lagos, Borno, Yobe, Kano, Edo, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Kaduna and the FCT.
He said the seizures reflect the Agency’s determination to protect Nigerian youths, dismantle criminal networks and strengthen national security.
“Every gram of these dangerous drugs we seize and remove from our streets and communities reinforces our commitment to safeguard public health and national security,” Marwa stated.
He urged NDLEA commands to sustain the momentum in the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse campaign.
The arrests come as the NDLEA this month commissioned a modern, German-built canine complex in Lagos, a facility it says will boost its detection and interdiction capacity.
The complex, which began in August 2024 and was handed over on schedule, is intended to provide improved infrastructure and working conditions for the Agency’s Canine Unit.
Marwa has credited sniffer dogs with playing a critical role in previous high-profile seizures.
According to the Agency, the canine teams have been instrumental in seizing more than 17.9 tonnes of illicit substances since their deployment.
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Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch
A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.
The monarch stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.
According to him, Nigeria would have been a developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.
“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.
“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.
“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he said.
While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.
King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so far.
He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.
“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.
“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.
The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.
By: Enoch Epelle
News
FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.
In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.
Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.
The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.
It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.
The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.
“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
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Nigeria At 65: NOA urges citizens to foster unity, progress
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the nation as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.
Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.
Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay in its diversity
“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.
“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.
“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year, it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving way for a brighter future for all.”
The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.
“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.
He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.
Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.
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