In its relentless nationwide crackdown on illicit substances, the NDLEA has rearrested 80-year-old Jeremiah Isaiah Nkanta in Akwa Ibom State, proving that old habits truly die hard, his recidivism offers a modern-day echo of Cesare Lombroso, the “father of modern criminology,” who famously proposed that some individuals are “born criminals.” The octogenarian grandfather—an ex-convict who previously served a two-year sentence following a 2022 conviction—was apprehended on Saturday, January 10, 2026, for allegedly returning to the drug trade.
In a statement released Sunday, January 11, NDLEA Director of Media and Publicity Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest of a suspect identified as Nkanta. The apprehension followed an ”intelligence-led raid on his Mmanta-Abak residence, which resulted in the seizure of 5.7kg of skunk.”
Meanwhile, as part of an ongoing efforts against drug trafficking, NDLEA operatives intercepted 37-year-old trans-border businessman Ani Onyebuchi Romans on the Oron-Ibaka road on Friday, January 9th. Romans found his “clothing business” under fire when a routine search of his cargo—full-body mannequins—revealed they ”were stuffed with 5.3kg of Tramadol. Despite his claims of returning to Cameroon after the New Year holidays, investigations established that he purchased the drugs in Onitsha to traffic them across the border using the mannequins as decoys.”
In a series of high-impact raids, NDLEA operatives in Oyo State have dealt a significant blow to local drug syndicates, seizing large quantities of illicit substances and arresting several notorious dealers.
The sting operations began ”on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with the arrest of 45-year-old Remi Bamidele (alias ‘Aluko the Mafia’) in the Sasa area of Ibadan. Operatives recovered 10.696kg of premium cannabis strains—including Colorado, Scottish Loud, Ghana Loud, Canadian Loud, and Skunk—alongside a Toyota Venza and a Toyota Yaris (marked HG 06 LYD).”
The momentum continued into the weekend. ”On Friday, January 9, 2026, 27-year-old Adeola Toheeb was apprehended in Adegbayi with various quantities of Colorado and Skunk. By Saturday, January 10, 2026, the crackdown shifted to Ring Road, where 29-year-old Habeeb Ali was nabbed with 1.264kg of diverse cannabis strains and ₦1,307,100 in cash—believed to be proceeds of his illicit trade.”
In Edo State, the NDLEA’s coordinated operations hit multiple targets, leading to the following key arrests and seizures:
Benin City GRA Bust: On Friday, January 9, 2026, operatives at the Ihama/Airport Road GRA intercepted Osagbovo Edigin, a 30-year-old dispatch rider. He was arrested alongside Ebimi Labo (28) and Akhimie Success (25) for possessing 118 grams of Canadian Loud and a wrap of Colorado.
Irrua Seizure: Jimoh Agbonmhegbe, 49, was apprehended in Irrua with a substantial haul of 17.552kg of Colorado, Loud, and skunk.
Ubiaja Arrest: Earlier in the week on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Evelyn Okoyomon, 38, was nabbed in Ubiaja with 930 grams of skunk.
The NDLEA’s success story extended across Niger, Taraba, and Adamawa states, where operatives intercepted large shipments of synthetic opioids and cannabis:
Niger State: In Dakwa, Tafa LGA, operatives arrested 22-year-old Nazifi Umar after recovering 4,000 pills of high-potency Tramadol (225mg).
Taraba State: On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Yusuf Usman, 41, was nabbed in Lankaviri, Yorro LGA, with 100 blocks of Skunk weighing a total of 47kg.
Adamawa State: Following the initial arrest of Ugwoke Chibueze, 40, at the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport in Yola on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, a follow-up search of his residence in the Bachure area led to the recovery of a massive cache of 30,950 Tramadol capsules.
In tandem with enforcement, NDLEA commands nationwide intensified their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, delivering critical sensitization lectures to schools, workplaces, and faith-based communities over the past week.
Key outreach highlights include:
Jigawa: Engaging students and staff at Government Day Science and Technical College, Babura.
Kano: Educating the academic community at Abiayubal Ansari Islamiyya School in Fagge LGA.
Ebonyi: Mobilizing the youths of Oshituma Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo to champion a drug-free lifestyle.
Through these consistent grassroots engagements, the Agency continues to fortify communities against the scourge of substance abuse.
In a final note of appreciation, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd)—the driving force behind the Agency’s modern successes—commended the officers of the Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, Edo, Oyo, and Niger Commands for their recent breakthroughs.
Marwa emphasized that these operational victories, alongside the tireless efforts of their compatriots nationwide, reflect a highly effective and balanced strategy.
Furthermore, the Chairman noted that the Agency’s commitment to simultaneously aggressive drug supply reduction and proactive drug demand reduction remains the cornerstone of their mission to secure a safer Nigeria.
