No fewer than 974 offenders have been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms including 11 drug kingpins who bagged 254 years imprisonment in the first quarter of 2026 as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) ramped up the arrest, prosecution and forfeiture of the assets of drug traffickers and their collaborators across the country.

Among the 974 drug traffickers convicted between January and March, 899 of them are male and 75 females, while a further breakdown of the conviction figure shows that 265 were secured in January, 316 in February and 393 in March.

Top on the list of the 11 drug kingpins who were successfully prosecuted and convicted within the period include a notorious Italy-based 42-year-old businessman, Adegbite Solomon (a.k.a Obama) who was arraigned on 15-count charge before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court Lagos in suit number: FHC/L/851C/2025. Delivering his ruling on the matter on 18th March, Justice Kakaki convicted the repeat offender on all 15 counts and sentenced him to a total of 130 years in prison.

Specifically, Justice Kakaki sentenced Adegbite to 15 years’ imprisonment on count 1; 15 years on count 2; 15 years on count 3; 15 years on count 4; 15 years on count 5; 15 years on count 6; 10 years on count 7; four years on count 8; four years on count 9; four years on count 10; four years on count 11; four years on count 12; and 10 years on count 15. While the prison sentence is to run concurrently, the trial judge also ordered the revocation of the convict’s pharmacy license and the forfeiture of two branches of his pharmacy store as well as the forfeiture of funds in his three bank accounts to the Federal Government, among others.

Another top drug kingpin sentenced to long years in prison in the first quarter of the year is 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun who was arraigned by NDLEA before Justice Nkenoye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo state in charge number: FHC/IB/97C/2025. In her judgment delivered on 26th February 2026, Justice Maha convicted and sentenced Animashaun to 25 calendar years for drug trafficking.

The convict was first convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment for a similar offence on 15th July 2022 by Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court following his arrest by NDLEA along Lagos/Ibadan expressway on 27th March 2022.

Two other convicts who bagged long years imprisonment are: Rauf Asogba, 28, and Seun Olaniyi, 24, who were convicted and sentenced to 17 years in jail each by Justice Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi of the Federal High Court Abeokuta, Ogun state on 28th January 2026 after NDLEA arrested and charged them to court for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of skunk in suit number: FHC/AB/160C/2025.

Another set of two convicts got 15 years imprisonment each. They are: 54-year-old Jonathan Nuhu (a.k.a Doctor) who was convicted by Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano, Kano state on 17th March 2026 following his arraignment by NDLEA in charge: FHC/KN/CR/96/2023, and 40-year-old Idris Yusuf who was sentenced on 31st March 2026 by Justice Fatima Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court, Damaturu, Yobe in suit number FHC/CR/6/21, in addition to another eight years sentence for a similar case brought against Yusuf by NDLEA in charge number FHC/CR/DM/16/24.

Other convicts who got seven years imprisonment each for drug trafficking offences in parts of the country include: Godday Obizuo in FHC/AK/64C/2024; Asabe Abubakar in FHC/BAU/CR/16/2026; Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian and Olabode Sunday in FHC/AD/CR/66/2024.

In his reaction to the conviction of the drug offenders, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) described the sentencing of the 11 drug kingpins to a combined 254 years in prison as a watershed moment in the country’s war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He noted that the conviction of 974 offenders between January and March 2026 sends an unambiguous message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for those who trade in human lives and derive pleasure in destroying the lives of the nation’s youth.

According to him, “Securing 974 convictions in just three months is a testament to the relentless spirit of our officers and the thinning patience of the Nigerian state toward drug merchants. To the 11 kingpins who thought they were untouchable, their 254-year collective residency in correctional centres is a firm reminder that the long arm of the law has finally caught up with their greed.”

Marwa commended the Judiciary for the accelerated hearing of the cases, noting that swift justice is the most potent deterrent. To officers, men and women of the Agency, he said
“Your bravery in the face of danger is yielding fruit. We will continue to prioritize your welfare and provide the tools needed to stay ahead of these criminal syndicates.”

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, adding that “these victories belong to the citizens who provide the intelligence that fuels our operations.”

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The operations resulted in the arrest of twenty-three suspected cultists, recovery of five (5) firearms and other incriminating exhibits.

During the operation in Ikorodu, four suspects were arrested following credible intelligence linking them to cult-related activities. Preliminary findings indicate links to the Buccaneers Confraternity (Sea Lords).

In Lagos Island, nine  suspected cultists were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout. In Ilasan, five suspects in connection with a cult-related killing of one Emmanuel Obioson were arrested. In Okoko, one suspect with ties to the Eiye Confraternity was intercepted in possession of a firearm.

Similarly, in Ogba and Iju areas, the operations led to the arrest of four (4) suspects involved in illegal cult gatherings, assault, and other related violent crimes. Weapons used in the attacks were recovered, and victims are currently receiving medical attention.

The suspects are: Shina Wale ‘m’ 36yrs, Kehinde Kareem ‘m’ 18yrs, Mohammed Aileru ‘m’ 18yrs, Bada Mujeeb ‘m’ 18yrs, Salam Kosoko ‘m’ 30yrs, Yusuf Anjorin ‘m’ 19yrs, Quadri Abubakar ‘m’ 21yrs, Lateef Salako ‘m’ 18yrs, Fawaz Bello ‘m’ 30yrs, Oyesola Olalekan ‘m’ age 36yrs, Ubaka Justice ‘m’ age 36yrs, Emmanuel Obekpa ‘m’ age 36yrs, Sodiq Ademola ‘m’ age 36yrs, Balogun Taofeek ‘m’ 33yrs, Azeez Owolabi ‘m’ age 28yrs, Meshack Obini ‘m’ age 24yrs, Fabulous John ‘m’ age 25yrs, Promise Israel ‘m’ age 28yrs, Bright Aniedi ‘m’ age 27yrs, Familola Fikayo David ‘m’ age 24yrs, Akeem Olamilekan ‘m’ aka Magali age 43yrs, Muiz Oyedele ‘m’ age 20yrs, Hamzat Sadiq ‘n’ age 19yrs

The exhibits include: Five (5) locally made pistols, one (1) toy pistol, fifteen (15) live cartridges, three (3) expended cartridges, one (1) Police camouflage face cap, one (1) Army camouflage face cap, one (1) jack knife with the pouch.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes.
He urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information through the Command emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.

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In a disclaimer released signed by Reuben Kovangiya Major, Academy Public Relations Officer posted via its official X account today, , the NDA said its attention had been drawn to fake accounts operating on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where scammers are allegedly posing as the Commandant and fraudulently offering contracts to unsuspecting members of the public.

According to the Academy, the accounts were deliberately created as part of schemes aimed at deceiving and defrauding individuals of their hard-earned money and resources.

The NDA urged members of the public to ignore and avoid all forms of engagement with the fraudulent accounts, warning that anyone who interacts with such entities does so entirely at their own risk.

“The Academy will not be held liable for any loss resulting from dealings with these fraudulent accounts,” the statement emphasized.

The institution further clarified that it communicates officially with the public only through its verified channels, including its official website, nda.edu.ng, recognized social media handles, and reputable national newspapers.

The verified official platforms listed by the NDA include:

• Facebook: Nigerian Defence Academy
• X (Twitter): @NDefenceacademy
• TikTok: @ndefeneceacademy
• Instagram: @nigeriandefenceacademy

The Academy also stressed that the Commandant does not conduct official communication or engagements through personal social media accounts or unofficial online platforms.

The public has been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

This warning comes amid growing concerns over the increasing use of fake online identities by fraudsters targeting unsuspecting Nigerians.

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The suspects, identified as Balogun Teslim ‘m’, Suleman Balogun ‘m’, and Peter Oluwagbemi ‘m’, were apprehended following a distress call. Items recovered from them include a locally made pistol loaded with six rounds of live 9mm ammunition, two black face masks, a hammer, ropes, a large roll of cellophane tape, two black jackets, and a pair of pliers.

The suspects were mobbed by members of the public before the arrival of the Police. They were subsequently rescued and taken to a Police medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment. Two of the suspects have confessed to the crime and identified one Kinsley ‘m’, who is currently at large, as their gang leader. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and bring all those involved to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, reiterates the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crimes and strongly warns against jungle justice. He urges residents to always report suspected criminal activities to the Police.

Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.

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The suspect was apprehended in the act during a routine patrol, and twenty (20) vandalised road studs were recovered from his possession at the scene.

The suspect, identified as Dogara John ‘m’, 18 years, was caught in the act of removing reflective road studs installed on the bridge to improve visibility and guide motorists, especially at night and during poor weather conditions.

These road studs play a vital role in helping drivers stay on course and in preventing accidents, particularly on a busy route like the Third Mainland Bridge.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, has reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for vandalism and any form of damage to public infrastructure. He noted that such actions not only endanger lives but also undermine ongoing efforts to maintain safety and order across the State.

He further urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities, particularly around public infrastructure, to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.

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The defendants, MT Ostria, Captain Raymundo A. Panaligam, Chief Officer Roneno Villarin and Vincent Wayas, were arraigned by the EFCC on October 29, 2025, on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing, an offence contrary to Sections 411 and 280, and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the witness, who is a representative of NNPC, testified on the transactions involving MT Ostria and the events that led to the EFCC’s investigation.

Led in evidence by the prosecution witness, Bilikisu Buhari, the PW2 told the court that operational concerns arose when D. Torros Shipping Limited, the receiving terminal, called for a suspension of discharge activities.

“From our operational perspective, we were worried about any delay that could cause additional cost on the operation. We were informed by Torros that the suspension was due to variations in quantities between the ship’s discharge figure and Torros’ received figure,” he said.

He also stated that upon raising the alarm, Torros notified the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, of the discrepancy.

According to him, the NMDPRA escalated the matter to relevant government agencies, including the Department of State Services, DSS.

The witness, who said Torros also reported the case to the EFCC, further stated that “ I was invited by the EFCC. I was interviewed and I wrote a statement regarding the transaction at the time. We also submitted some documents to the EFCC with respect to the operation,”.

He confirmed that the documents were generated using his company’s laptop and printer, which were in good condition at the time.

The prosecution counsel, Buhari , tendered the documents, and they were admitted in evidence by the court.

Explaining the relationship between the NNPC subsidiaries, the witness said there was an internal framework governing transactions among NNPC Retail, NNPC Trading, and NNPC Shipping.

Referring to Exhibit P4, the Credit Sales Invoice issued to NNPC Retail Limited, he identified NNPC Retail as “the ultimate owner of the petroleum products allegedly stolen.”

The document, he noted, confirmed receipt and was signed by NNPC Trading for the sale of about 20.3 million litres of PMS through MT Ostria, which was the vessel nominated by NNPC Retail from the mother vessel, MT Northern Light.

“This document was issued as part of the NNPC Retail and Trading agreement framework, which requires that requests for product or cargo be made through a company portal where sales quotations are generated.

“This Credit Sales Invoice carries two sales quotation numbers also called PFI (Pro Forma Invoice) numbers: 20001584 and 20001601. These numbers are to be indicated on the commercial documents relating to this operation.”

He added that the documents established the commercial chain of the transaction and showed NNPC Retail Limited as the buyer of the cargo, in line with the companies’ internal framework.

Justice Dada adjourned the matter till Wednesday, April 15, 2026 for continuation of cross- examination.

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Troops successfully cleared multiple bandit enclaves, including the notorious Azuge camps within the Kumbodoro Forest axis. Supported by the Air Component, the troops neutralised several bandits and dismantled key operational bases, further degrading the criminals’ capability to threaten lives and property of citizens. The operation led to rescue of eight kidnapped victims.

A thorough search of the bandits enclave led to the recovery of cache of arms and equipment, including 4 skeletal rifles, 4 dane guns, one FN rifle magazine, one AK-47 magazine, as well as communication devices and other operational items.
Other recovered items include 2 pairs of boots, 3 helmets, one power bank, one StarTimes decoder, QJC meta links, one jackknife, 6 mobile handsets, arrows, radio chargers, OPAY ATM cards, photographs, an identity card, several pairs of security agency uniforms and leg chains.

Relatedly, troops deployed at Duguri while acting on credible intelligence, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura Village in collaboration with local vigilantes. The livestock are believed to have been abandoned by fleeing bandits due to sustained military pressure. Efforts are ongoing to identify and return the animals to their rightful owners.

The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and stability across all theatres of operation, leveraging intelligence-driven operations, joint force synergy and strategic partnerships to deny bandits and terrorists any safe haven.

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He made the commendation during a visit to the Agency’s State Headquarters in Enugu.

Governor Mbah expressed particular satisfaction over the capture of a high-profile gang leader, responsible for a string of attacks on security personnel and multiple kidnapping-for-ransom incidents across Enugu and surrounding areas. He noted that residents can finally experience relief from the gang’s reign of terror across the state and the broader Southeast region. He also voiced concern over how some individuals could forsake basic human decency for such heinous acts, emphasizing that the full force of the law will be brought against those responsible.

He commended the DSS for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication to ensuring a peaceful Easter period, while urging the command to sustain this level of vigilance, which he described as a fundamental responsibility of government.

The people of Enugu State expressed appreciation for the tranquility experienced, particularly during the Easter festivities, made possible through the efforts of the DSS and other security agencies operating in the state.

While expressing optimism that continued security efforts would eliminate criminal activities, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Enugu as the safest destination for tourism, commerce, and residency.

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She was arrested along Gamboru Ngala road in possession of 4.3 kilograms of Colorado, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis.

Meanwhile, Adamawa state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Namtari road , Yola South on Monday 30th March intercepted a trailer marked RUW 947 XA transporting 48,000 pills of tramadol. The truck driver, Abdulaziz Ismail Korede, was arrested while a follow-up operation led to the arrest of the recipient, Idris Adamu.

While 60-year-old Idiatu Oladejo was arrested with 15kg skunk in Isale Osun, Osogbo, Osun state on Wednesday 1st April, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence raided the Itaogbolu forest, Akure, Ondo state where they recovered 351 kilograms of skunk and its seeds.

No fewer than 28,600 capsules of tramadol were seized from a 66-year-old  Aminu Usman Gembu when he was arrested at Aliade, Benue state on Wednesday 1st April.

In Edo state, a suspect Roland Owie, 37, was arrested on Monday 30th March following the raid of his warehouse at Egbanke community, Orhionmwon LGA, where 1,378 kilograms of skunk were recovered.

A notorious drug dealer, 40-year-old Ayantola Omodunmomi (a.k.a Iya Elle) was on Wednesday 1st April arrested at Eleta area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. Her arrest follows intelligence and surveillance on how she uses her 11-year-old daughter, Anjola, to deliver illicit drugs to her customers. At the time of her arrest, 45.6kg skunk was recovered from her warehouse.

The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands equally continued across the country in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitization lecture delivered to students and staff of Okere Grammar School, Saki, Oyo; Shasha Comprehensive High School, Alimosho, Lagos; Ma’ahad Ahmad Turaki Islamiyya, Sabon Gari, Kano; Ezi-Awka Community Secondary School, Awka, Anambra, and Madrasatul Ihsan, Area One Tsafe, Zamfara state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Seme, Borno, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Edo, Adamawa and Benue Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) also praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for pursuing a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

“These successful operations are a testament to the Agency’s evolving intelligence capabilities and our unwavering commitment to choking the supply lines of drug cartels. Whether they hide behind legitimate businesses, religious titles, or complex concealment methods, we will find them”, Marwa stated.

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The breakthrough began on Wednesday 11th March 2026, when NDLEA officers of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Strategic Command Ikeja Lagos intercepted 3.10 kilograms of cocaine at the export shed of the airport. The illicit substance was meticulously hidden inside tins of palm kernel extract intended for shipment to the UK.

Two suspects handling the shipment, Idris Olayiwola Amoo and Akinlami Akinsoji Adedoyin were promptly arrested. To unravel the sender and the arrowhead of the drug syndicate, a well-coordinated sting operation was carried out on Thursday 2nd April leading to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, Ezemuwo Joel, who operates under a fake identity as Ajayi.

His arrest provided the link to the syndicate’s head, 52-year-old King Arinze who was flushed out of a hideout in the Isolo area of Lagos. He was thereafter taken to his warehouse at 11, Ola Ifa Street, Bucknor, Isolo where NDLEA operatives recovered

886 tins of palm kernel extract prepared for drug concealment; industrial tools including a sealing machine, tin openers; paint sprays; 52 grams of cannabis sativa and a pack of hand gloves. Arinze has since confessed to personally draining the oil from the tins to conceal the cocaine.

Meanwhile, the pastor in charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Sakpo area of Seme border, Badagry in Lagos state, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, 45, and his wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu, 35 were on Thursday 2nd April arrested by NDLEA operatives at Gbaji checkpoint have

A search of their Honda Pilot SUV led to the recovery of blocks of skunk weighing 11kg concealed in hidden parts of their vehicle.

The arrest of the couple followed the apprehension of a fake security agent Sunday Samuel, 35, at the same checkpoint on Monday 30th March while conveying 24.5kg skunk from Seme border to Lagos.

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