Category: PM News

The Borno State Police Command has recovered an unexploded hand grenade from a drainage slab in the Moduganari area of Maiduguri.

Police spokesperson Nahum Daso disclosed this in a statement, saying the command received information about the suspicious object at about 12:40 p.m. on Saturday.

Following the report, Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid directed operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Base 13 to proceed to the location.

The operatives secured the area and safely removed the grenade.

Daso said the explosive had been secured for further examination, while an investigation had commenced to determine its origin and the circumstances surrounding its discovery.

The commissioner commended residents who alerted the police and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Borno State.

The police warned members of the public not to touch, move or tamper with suspected explosive devices.

Residents were advised to maintain a safe distance and immediately report suspicious objects or activities to the appropriate security agencies.

Vice-Presidential Candidate of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has spoken on his decision to be the running mate of Mr. Peter Obi in the 2027 election.

Kwankwaso while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, revealed that his move was inspired by the need for national balance, equity and democratic change.

He explained that his experience from the 2023 election had helped him understand Obi better and that he was convinced that both of them could work together in the interest of the country.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the decision was also influenced by the need to allow the South to retain the presidency for another term after the completion of an eight-year tenure by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

‘People learn every day and that is why experience is very important. In 2023, we attempted to work together and at that particular point, I knew little about Peter Obi. But over these last four years, I was able to learn a lot and realised that Peter is somebody that I could work together with,’ he said.

He said that the decision was reached after consultations with members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Obidient Movement.

He said that the groups believed that the country needed a balanced ticket capable of attracting support from both the North and the South.

Kwankwaso said the security challenges confronting the country, alongside declining agricultural productivity and deteriorating infrastructure further strengthened his resolve to support a political arrangement capable of bringing democratic change.

He said the economic hardship had particularly affected farmers, especially in Northern Nigeria, where agricultural production had become increasingly difficult and unprofitable.

The former Defence Minister said the dilapidation of infrastructure across the country, except in some areas such as Lagos, was another reason for accepting to pair with Obi.

He said the current situation required the kind of democratic change that Nigerians sought in 2015, adding that the need for such change was now greater.

Kwankwaso said the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would provide a combination of regional balance, competence and credibility.

‘Nobody, no ticket can beat our own in terms of credibility, in terms of capacity and of course, in terms of love for the country; even in terms of empathy for the poor that are suffering across the country today,’ he said.

He explained that agreeing to serve as vice-president was not a setback for him, despite his extensive political experience, including serving as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, governor, minister and senator.

‘I have never been the vice-president. I think it is a step forward despite all the things you counted,’ he said.

Kwankwaso said his decision was based on a broader national interest rather than personal ambition, stressing that public office should primarily be viewed as an opportunity to serve.

‘To me, being in government is to serve. I don’t have to be president. I don’t have to even be vice-president. These are things that are in the hands of Almighty Allah. But the fact remains that the situation, as it is today, one has to look at it beyond your humble self,’ he said.

He said the agreement with Obi was for the South to produce the president for one term, after which the political arrangement would return to the North.

Kwankwaso cited historical examples of political leaders who had accepted positions below what they could have attained, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, who chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria rather than becoming Prime Minister.

He also said Nigerians should understand that service could be rendered at different levels, including as councillor, local government chairman, legislator, governor, minister, vice-president or president.

According to him, political leaders should be prepared to serve wherever they are needed, rather than considering certain offices beneath them.

He dismissed claims by political opponents that his political engagements with the All Progressives Congress (APC) or other parties were contingent on securing either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

Kwankwaso said discussions he held with President Bola Tinubu after the 2023 election were about working together and not about abandoning NNPP or securing a particular position.

He said he had previously played a major role in the APC’s electoral victory, particularly through the votes recorded in Kano in 2015, but became disappointed with the party’s leadership after the election.

The former governor said his confidence in the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance was strengthened by what he described as Obi’s commitment to fairness, justice and national unity.

He said the arrangement would also ensure that the North would not be disadvantaged, stressing that the one-term understanding was important in securing the confidence of his supporters.

Kwankwaso said he was confident that Obi would respect the agreement and work with him as a partner rather than treat the vice-president as a ‘spare tyre.’ He said his experience as deputy speaker, minister and governor had taught him the importance of allowing deputies to function effectively.

According to him, a president or governor who gives his deputy meaningful responsibilities ultimately strengthens the government because the success of the deputy also benefits the principal.

He said he was therefore comfortable with the proposed arrangement and had confidence that Obi would allow him to contribute meaningfully to governance.

Kwankwaso said the alliance would prioritise competence in the appointment of ministers and other officials, with power shared according to the needs of the country rather than for political patronage.

‘Power will be shared according to the needs of the country. We should not be in a hurry to go and take anybody on the streets or anybody we remember. We will make sure that we have competent people because from our experience, the president and vice-president cannot do it alone,’ he said.

The former governor said an NDC administration would need technocrats, professionals and experienced politicians capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges.

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Osun State Coordinator, Mr Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, has commended corps members deployed as ad-hoc personnel for their professionalism, discipline and commitment to duty during the 2026 Osun State off-cycle governorship election held on Saturday, August 15.

Kubiangha gave the commendation while monitoring the election at selected polling units across Ede South, Ede North, Olorunda, Osogbo and Egbedore Local Government Areas.

The State Coordinator visited polling units across Alajue 1 and Alajue 2, Akoda/Oloki and Isibo/Buhari-Isola wards, among others, where he assessed the safety and welfare of corps members and observed the general conduct of the election.

He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the corps members, noting that they had largely adhered to the instructions, operational guidelines and safety advisories issued during his sensitisation tour of the Local Government Areas of the State, as well as directives from the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters and the Southwest Area Office 1.

Kubiangha also monitored polling units in Osogbo, where voting had been concluded in some locations while the process was still ongoing in others.

He noted that the corps members were safe and discharged their responsibilities without fear, intimidation or undue interference. He further visited polling units in Awo and Iragberi in Egbedore Local Government Area.

The State Coordinator commended the officers who manned the situation room, Zonal Inspectors and Local Government Inspectors for their effective coordination and monitoring of corps members throughout the exercise. He equally appreciated the security agencies for their efforts in protecting corps members deployed for election duties across the state.

He expressed appreciation to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their prompt response to issues reported from the field, noting that such interventions helped to sustain the smooth conduct of the electoral process.

Kubiangha further acknowledged the cooperation among the various stakeholders, particularly under the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), describing it as a significant factor in ensuring a peaceful and orderly election.

He reiterated the commitment of the NYSC to the safety and welfare of corps members and urged them to continue to uphold the ideals of the Scheme, professionalism and national service in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security Matters, Taofiq Alapadupe, has described the atmosphere surrounding the Osun State governorship election as overwhelming, saying the large turnout and support recorded across the state reflected the people’s strong appreciation for Governor Ademola Adeleke.

According to him, the election generated significant excitement among residents, with many people turning out to participate in the electoral process.

He noted that the level of mobilisation and participation demonstrated the strong connection between the people and the Governor, adding that the enthusiasm witnessed during the election was evident in several communities across the state.

The Special Assistant also said Governor Adeleke had consistently shown appreciation to the people for their support and had made efforts to test his capacity to deliver on his promises.

He explained that the Governor’s programmes and engagements with the people had produced positive results, contributing to the large number of residents who came out to express their support.

He added that the atmosphere during the election was so overwhelming that it left many people impressed, describing the turnout and general mood as a clear indication of the level of enthusiasm surrounding the exercise.

Five suspected notorious armed robbers are cooling their heels at the Bompai police headquarters, Kano following their arrest at Jajaye village, in Rogo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects identified as Basiru Ibrahim, 25 years; Saidu Madaki, 23 years; Sa’adu Ibrahim, 25, Lawan Yusuf, 24, and Muktar Salisu, 21 were arrested on August 13 following credible intelligence report received by operatives of Rogo Police Division.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects have been involved in four different cases of criminal trespass, criminal conspiracy, and armed robbery within Jajaye Village and its environs, which resulted in various degrees of grievous injuries to victims.

They also confessed to having stolen about five motorcycles and other valuable properties.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said the feat indicated a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime across the state.

‘These achievements are in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu on robust community policing engagements, sustained intelligence-led policing, and proactive crime prevention strategies,’ he added.

According to him, on the same date, August 13, 2026, information from a patriotic member of the public led operatives of Dorayi Babba Division to Rijiyar Zaki Motor Park.

Upon search, one Tokarev Pistol with loaded 48 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was recovered from a suspicious parcel of luggage.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to having bought the firearm and ammunition from another state and was forwarding the same to someone in another state.

Investigation is ongoing to trail and apprehend other accomplices in the illegal arms supply chain.

Mr. Bakori further stated that in a swift response to complaints, operatives of Gaya Division swung into action, on August 13, 2026, when Hamisu Garba, of Yanduji village, reported the theft of his cow.

Later in the day, Maikudi Adamu of Jobe, Gaya Local Government Area, also reported the theft of his ram.

The patrol team intercepted Karimu Mamman and Madama, all male of Jube Village, in possession of the said cow and ram.

Discreet investigation led to the arrest of an additional two suspected syndicate members and were charged to court for prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police commended the good people of Kano state for their vigilance and timely information that led to the successes.

He also appreciated the officers and men of Dorayi Babba, Rogo, and Gaya Divisions for their steadfastness, professionalism, and commitment to duty.

Mr. Bakori reiterated that the Command remains resolute in sustaining community policing, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration to ensure Kano state remains safe and secure for all residents.

He urged members of the public to continue to report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station or call the Command’s emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926.

Meanwhile, on August 14, 2026, Mr. Bakori received in audience, a delegation from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, at the Command Headquarters, Bompai, Kano.

The team was led by the leader of delegation and member of the Directing Staff, Brig. Gen. LA Jimoh (Rtd).

The visit was part of the Institute’s one-week study tour of Kano state by Senior Executive Course 48, 2026.

The theme of their study is: ‘Economic diversification and National Development: Leveraging the Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.’

Mr. Bakori emphasized that no form of economic diversification can thrive without security.

He noted that Kano, as the commercial and cultural hub of northern Nigeria, requires a policing model that protects both traditional commerce and emerging creative industries such as Kannywood, fashion, music, crafts, and digital content.

The Kano police boss highlighted that on assumption of duty, the Command identified key threats across the 44 Local Government Areas, including thuggery and phone robbery in the metropolis, trans-border crimes in border areas, and farmers/herders clashes in rural communities.

He stated that in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Command adopted intelligence-led policing, enhanced community policing, capacity building, synergy with sister agencies, expansion of the Cybercrime Unit, public enlightenment, and ‘Operation Kukan Kura’ to tackle violent crime.

Mr. Bakori disclosed that through the Command’s Departments, 78 Divisions, 11 Area Commands, five Tactical Units, and two PMF Squadrons, over 4,000 suspects have been arrested for various offenses within the period under review.

He added that, ‘these efforts have created a safer environment for businesses, markets, transport, and the creative sector to thrive.’

The Commissioner of Police, noted that reforms by the Inspector General of Police, on public trust, accountability, technology, intelligence-led policing, synergy, VCRU, and improved welfare have strengthened the Command’s capacity to respond to crime and build trust with communities and stakeholders.

Brig. General LA Jimoh (Rtd), stated that the delegation was in Kano to receive a brief on the security situation and its relationship with the study theme on the Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship.

He commended the exemplary reception and appreciated Mr. Bakori and his team for the peace and security being enjoyed in Kano state.

Mr. Bakori appreciated the delegation for the visit and wished them a successful tour of Kano state.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to a people-centered, disciplined, and intelligence-driven policing model that enables business, protects culture, and secures the future of Kano.

He further thanked the Inspector General of Police, for his leadership, the Kano state government, and the good people of Kano for their support and cooperation.

ýThe Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and thunderstorms from Sunday to Tuesday across the country.

ýNiMet weather outlook released in Abuja envisaged sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region with chances of early morning ýthunderstorms.

It anticipated light rains over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Taraba and Adamawa States.

ý’Later during the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over most parts of the region.

‘Sunny skies with patches of cloud are anticipated over the North central region with chances of early morningý thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Kwara, Niger, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.

ý’By the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in most parts of the region,’ it said.

ýThe agency predicted cloudy skies over the southern region, with chances of light rains over parts of Oyo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.

It forecast moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, River, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States later in the day.

ýAccording to the agency, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected over the northern region on Monday with prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States during the morning hours.

‘Later in the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa States.

‘Cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected over the North central region with prospects of thunderstorms ýaccompanied by moderate rains over parts of Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory during the morning hours.

ý’By the afternoon or evening hours, sunny skies with a few patches of clouds are expected over most parts of the region,’ it said.

NiMet predicted a cloudy atmosphere over the southern region, with prospects of light rains over most parts of the

South-western region during the morning hours.

ýIt forecast moderate rains over the South-southern and South-eastern parts of the country later in the day.

The agency anticipated sunny over northern skies on Tuesday with a few patches of clouds over the northern region during the morning hours.

According to the agency, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over parts of Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna and the North-eastern regions later in the day.

‘Sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the North central region during the morning hours.

ý’By the afternoon /evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in most parts of the region.

ý’Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region, with prospects of light rains over parts of Akwa-Ibom ýand Cross-River states during the morning hours.’

By the afternoon and evening hours, moderate rains are expected over the region,’ it said.

ýAccording to the agency, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

ý’Driving under heavy rain should be avoided.

‘Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

ý’Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

‘Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from,’ it said.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has said that reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are helping states deliver massive projects, meet salary and pension obligations without borrowing.

Governor Radda made this known on Sunday at the Tinubu/Dikko Assured (TDA) 2027 Islamiyya Teachers’ Empowerment, School Commissioning and Virtual Commissioning of 45 Solar Streetlights held at the Continental Events and Sports Complex, Katsina.

He said leadership must be judged by performance and measurable results, not by political rhetoric or negative narratives.

‘Once leaders make promises to the people, they have a responsibility to fulfil those promises. Leadership is built on trust, not deception,’ Governor Radda said.

Governor Radda noted that unlike in the past when the state relied on loans to pay salaries, his administration has executed projects worth over ?30 billion without borrowing, while also paying salaries and pensions promptly.

‘Today, there is no sector where we are taking a loan to execute a single project in Katsina State. We are paying pensions and meeting our obligations to the people of Katsina,’ he said.

He commended the TDA initiative for targeting grassroots beneficiaries, especially Islamiyya teachers.

The Governor announced a personal donation of ?10,000 to each of the 690 beneficiaries, totaling ?6.9 million, rounded up to ?7 million.

The Governor urged citizens, organizations and philanthropists to support community development, stressing that government alone cannot deliver all needed interventions.

He also called on citizens not to allow misinformation to overshadow genuine development efforts, and challenged political aspirants to present clear blueprints to address public problems.

Earlier, former Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, said political leaders must do everything possible to promote the welfare and development of the people.

Masari said anyone who refused to acknowledge the achievements of President Tinubu and Governor Radda was being hypocritical.

He highlighted major Federal Government infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other strategic roads, saying improved infrastructure would create economic opportunities and support agriculture.

The former Governor also commended improvements along the Kaduna-Abuja Road, describing them as evidence of the impact of effective leadership.

Also speaking, the Director-General of Tinubu/Dikko Assured, Hon. Umar Ahmed Zayyad, said the organisation had expanded its programmes to support teachers and beneficiaries of Islamiyya schools.

Zayyad said the initiative was inspired by President Tinubu’s leadership and recalled that the President had expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the Radda administration during his visit to Katsina.

He said the Katsina State Government had implemented projects worth more than ?30 billion without taking loans, and urged citizens to continue supporting government development efforts.

The Deputy Chairman of the APC in Katsina State, Bala Abu Musawa, commended Governor Radda for his empowerment programmes and development initiatives.

He said Katsina remained politically stable due to cooperation among political leaders and expressed confidence that the APC would win the forthcoming elections across the state.

The event was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; District Head of Safana, Alhaji Sada Rufa’i; Yariman Katsina; business community leaders; and other dignitaries.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to prioritizing security, harnessing the Nigerian diaspora as a critical asset for national development, and deepening strategic partnerships anchored on mutual respect and trust.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Sola Enikanolaiye made the commitment in an address he delivered the Dinner Night of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada.

This was contained in a statement by Richard Elesho, the special assistant to the Minister on Media and Strategic Communications on Sunday.

Enikanolaiye stated that while security remains a major challenge for the nation, the Tinubu administration is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that the over 10 years multifaceted challenge is contained

He noted that Nigeria is entering ‘a new era of partnership of strategic autonomy’ with key international partners, including the United States. ‘I came in from Washington only yesterday. I was privileged to have been part of the team meeting with the Americans,’ the Minister said, adding that this strategic engagement is aimed at delivering ‘core, concrete, positive outcomes for Nigerians in terms of security, in terms of prosperity, in terms of defence and the welfare of the Nigerian people.’

On the Nigerian diaspora, the Minister emphasized that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government views Nigerians abroad not as a burden, but as vital contributors to national progress.

‘For this government, Nigerians in the diaspora are critical assets of national development. We don’t see you as a basket case of consular burden responsibilities always in need of government’s intervention and assistance. No.

‘On the contrary, we see you as a vital human resource with huge capacities for Nigeria which government is trying to harness in terms of our national development priorities,’ he stated.

The Minister called for stronger unity among Nigerians at home and abroad, urging citizens to break down barriers of ethnicity, religion, and tribe.

‘We are aware of the trust deficit that exists among Nigerians, especially those of us abroad. Let’s try and break those barriers of ethnicity, barriers of religion, barriers of tribe, and let’s relate on the functional aspect of cooperation that promotes production, that promotes development, that promotes growth and prosperity unto Nigeria,’ he said.

He also acknowledged the role of Canada and other partners in fostering ‘more productive partnership in the ways of mutual respect and cooperation going forward,’ and commended stakeholders contributing to Nigeria’s development.

The Minister concluded by thanking the organizers of the conference and the diaspora community ‘for celebrating the assets of Nigeria,’ and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to work with all partners to advance the nation’s interests.

A political exchange has erupted between House of Representatives member James Faleke and Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, following accusations over alleged pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the Osun State governorship election.

Davido, who is a nephew of re-elected Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, had on Saturday accused Faleke of putting pressure on INEC to alter the outcome of the election as results were being collated.

In a post on X, Davido urged the lawmaker to respect the wishes of Osun voters and called on him not to interfere with the electoral process.

Faleke, who represented the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the contest and was in Osun to support the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, responded on Sunday, denying that he had the ability or intention to influence the commission.

‘I came to Osun to support my party’s candidate, while you supported your uncle’s party (Accord),’ Faleke said in his response on X.

‘INEC is a body that can’t be influenced by me or anyone else.’

He added: ‘I have never influenced or rigged before and I don’t plan to start now. Face your music while we face our politics.’

The exchange came as INEC was conducting the collation of results from Saturday’s governorship election, which was eventually won by Adeleke.

Davido had specifically referenced APC figures including former Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola and Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, in his post.

Faleke’s response drew a distinction between political support and electoral interference, arguing that his presence in Osun was to campaign for his party’s candidate, just as Davido had openly backed his uncle’s Accord Party candidate.

The allegation made by Davido has not been independently established, and reports reviewed did not indicate any confirmation from INEC that Faleke attempted to interfere with the commission’s work.

The dispute occurred against the backdrop of heightened political tension during the collation of results in Osogbo, where supporters of the competing parties closely followed the announcement of results.

After INEC declared Adeleke winner, Faleke adopted a more conciliatory tone in a separate post, congratulating the governor on his re-election and commending Oyebamiji for what he described as a ‘very good outing.’

He also praised the APC candidate for his commitment and sportsmanship during the election.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Nwankwo Innocent Onyebuchi, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while allegedly attempting to smuggle 1.550 kilogrammes of cocaine to India.

The suspect, who deals in marbles in Lagos, was arrested at the departure hall of Terminal II of the airport while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight to New Delhi.

According to the NDLEA, the cocaine was cleverly concealed in the side walls and railings of his check-in bag.

The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the suspect had confessed to selling his business and other assets to finance the drug deal.

‘Babafemi said Onyebuchi confessed that he had sold off his marble business and every asset he owned to raise the N23 million he paid for the consignment,’ the statement said.

He added that the suspect expected to sell the cocaine for as much as N100 million in India, a plan that was thwarted by his arrest at the Lagos airport.

Babafemi said the arrest was part of a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by NDLEA operatives across Lagos, Kano, Kwara, Edo, Plateau, Oyo and Delta states, during which large consignments of cocaine, cannabis and pharmaceutical opioids were seized.

In Lagos, operatives raided a warehouse located within a residential compound on Hakeem Dosumu Street, Ago Palace area of Okota, recovering 3,776 cartons containing 377,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup valued at more than N2.6 billion.

The seizure was made between August 7 and 8, according to the agency.

Babafemi further disclosed that operatives raided the residence of a 55-year-old suspected drug kingpin, Shoremi Kayode, at Ipaja Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, where they recovered 324 kilogrammes of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, valued at N972 million.

Two vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz and a Toyota Corolla, were also recovered from the suspect.

In Kwara State, NDLEA officers arrested Abubakar Adamu, 50, and Bilyaminu Nuhu, 30, at Kam Wire area of Ilorin, with 55.96 kilogrammes of skunk found in a truck.

Two other suspects, 70-year-old Abdulfatai Oyelaran and Abdulrauf Ajadi, 50, were arrested along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Oyo State.

The agency recovered 52,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 6,000 ampoules of tramadol injection from their Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Babafemi said NDLEA operatives also intercepted two suspects, Osaro Ikpoba, 43, and Samuel Godbless, 18, along the Onitsha-Asaba Expressway, recovering 124,100 pills of tramadol, 786 bottles of codeine syrup, 2,598 tablets of Rohypnol, 4,800 tablets of diazepam, 470 ampoules of pentazocine and 200 ampoules of tramadol.

In another operation along the Kwale-Ozoro Expressway, Emeka Tony, 50, was arrested with 1,244 cartridges and N8 million in cash.

In Plateau State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a Toyota Corolla along the Riyom-Jos Road and recovered 239,490 capsules of Tramaforce, a brand of tramadol. A suspect, Kasum Sherif, was arrested.

Kano State also recorded major seizures, with six suspects arrested along the Zaria-Kano Road. They were identified as Okodili Ibeabuchi, 60; Onyeka Vincent, 47; Nwanko Wisdom, 36; Success Chigozie, 30; Emmanuel Jude, 27; and Chinedu Peter, 39.

Babafemi said operatives recovered 728,958 pills of tramadol, Rohypnol and other opioids, 360 grammes of cocaine, 99.8 grammes of methamphetamine, 50 bottles of codeine syrup and 2.7 kilogrammes of Loud, another synthetic strain of cannabis, from the suspects.

At Zawaciki Gida Dubu in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, NDLEA officers recovered 171 blocks of skunk weighing 106.8 kilogrammes and arrested Mustapha Iliya, 30, and Abdulwahab Abdulrashid, 24.

In Edo State, the agency destroyed 4,628.9775 kilogrammes of skunk cultivated on two cannabis farms measuring about 1.85 hectares in the Ugboku/Igbanke forest in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

A suspect, Agholor Elebojie, 40, was arrested during the operation.

Another suspect, Kingsley Anigala, 28, was arrested during a raid on drug joints in the Oluku area of Benin City, with 25.857 kilogrammes of Loud and 93 grammes of methamphetamine recovered.

The NDLEA also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitisation programmes in schools and communities, including Madarasatu Sheikh Muhammad Rabi’u Arabic School in Kano and Olomu Junior Secondary School in Ajah, Lagos.

Babafemi quoted NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), as commending officers and personnel of the MMIA, Lagos, Kano, Kwara, Edo, Plateau, Oyo and Delta Commands for the arrests and seizures.

Marwa also praised NDLEA commands nationwide for maintaining what he described as a balance between drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.