Crime
NDLEA Seizes Drugs Hidden in Frozen Snails and Electrical Bulbs
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted multiple consignments of illicit drugs concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs, and female clothing destined for the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the seizures were made at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and a courier company in Lagos. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the operations.
On October 7, 2025, a cargo agent, Boladale Riliwan, was arrested after authorities discovered 15 parcels of skunk cannabis hidden inside 10 giant rechargeable electrical bulbs in a carton prepared for airfreight to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Lagos airport export shed.
On October 12, Olawale Hakeemot, a 48-year-old UK-based public health assistant, was detained at MMIA’s Terminal 2 departure hall. She was found with 2,300 tramadol 225mg pills concealed in frozen snails while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to Manchester, United Kingdom.
Additionally, NDLEA officers thwarted another attempt by a syndicate to export 810 bromazepam pills hidden in female clothes bound for the United States at a Lagos courier company on October 16.
In Adamawa State, a suspect identified as Bello Buba was intercepted at an NDLEA checkpoint in Namtari, Yola South Local Government Area, on October 12. Authorities recovered 38,270 tramadol pills hidden in the spare tire, boot, and door compartments of his Honda Civic, which he reportedly drove from the Benin Republic to smuggle the drugs into Nigeria.
In a separate operation in Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives destroyed 53,250 kilograms of cannabis cultivated over 21.3 hectares of farmland in Ilawe-Ekiti, recovering an additional 1,140 kilograms packed in 70 bags. Three suspects—Matthew Emmanuel (26), James Moses (27), and Israel Samuel (20)—were arrested during the October 12–13 operation.
Similarly, 17,400 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed on 6.96 hectares of farmland in the Aponmu forest reserve, Akure, Ondo State, on October 12.
In Oyo State, several arrests were made on October 16, including Aliyu Muhammed (50), Babarinde Segun (32), Ogunbiyi Sanjo (30), and Ajani Oluro (30), who were caught with 596 kilograms of skunk cannabis at Apata-Ako, Igboora. Additionally, Jacob Afolabi (30) and Salako Oluwatobi (25) were arrested with 273 kilograms of skunk at Odo-Oyan, Igangan.
In Ogun State, Joseph Andrew was arrested with 88 kilograms of cannabis at Ona-Imeko on October 15, while in Imo State, 42-year-old Festus Udoh was caught with 13,000 opioid pills along the Onitsha-Owerri Road.
Enugu authorities recovered 74.5 kilograms of cannabis from the store of Joseph Chukwujamaa at Umuogbo-Agu village on October 18. In Lagos, 11 bags of cannabis weighing 117 kilograms were seized from the residence of Ramoni Olukowi in Mushin on the same day.
Furthermore, NDLEA intercepted 80,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup in a container arriving from India during a joint examination with Customs and other security agencies at Apapa port on October 14.
Also notable was the arrest of Ejiofor, who operates boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State. He was detained upon arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 on October 8, 2025, following credible intelligence.
The NDLEA continues its crackdown on drug trafficking networks to safeguard public health and security.
Crime
Nigerian Military Confirms Coup Plot Allegations: 16 Officers to Face Court-Martial
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that investigations into the conduct of 16 military officers arrested in October 2025 have been completed, with some found to have allegedly plotted to overthrow the government.
In a press release issued today, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) stated that the officers were initially detained over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Following a thorough investigation conducted in line with established military procedures, the probe uncovered evidence linking a number of the officers to a plot against the government—an action deemed inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of AFN personnel.
“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” the statement read. The comprehensive report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority for further action.
Those implicated and found to have cases to answer will be formally arraigned before a special military judicial panel, where they will face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations.
The DHQ emphasized that this process upholds accountability while maintaining the integrity of military discipline.
The arrests were first announced by the Defence Headquarters in October 2025, initially described in neutral terms as related to indiscipline. Today’s update marks the first official confirmation from the military that the matter involved an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The AFN reiterated its commitment to professionalism and adherence to constitutional order, assuring the public that the judicial proceedings will be conducted transparently and in full compliance with military law.
No further details on the identities of the officers or specific timelines for the trials were provided in the statement.
Crime
DSS Arrests Suspected Sea Pirates, Foils Planned Hijack of Crude Oil Vessel
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several suspected sea pirates in a swift operation that successfully thwarted a planned hijack of a crude oil vessel off the Nigerian coast.

According to security sources, the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence that indicated an imminent attack on the vessel transporting crude oil.
The operation, carried out by DSS operatives in collaboration with other security agencies, prevented what could have been a major maritime incident in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover possible accomplices, sponsors, and details of the foiled plot. Authorities have not yet released the exact number of suspects or their identities, citing ongoing investigations.
This latest crackdown highlights the persistent threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, where armed groups target oil vessels for ransom, theft of cargo, or both.
The DSS emphasized its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime economy and critical energy infrastructure.
No injuries or damage to the vessel were reported, and normal operations have resumed.
Crime
Police Foil Bandit Attack, Rescue 6 on Yankara–Funtua Highway
Security operatives in Katsina State have successfully thwarted an armed bandit attack on the Yankara–Funtua highway, rescuing six kidnapped victims unharmed.
According to reports from local security sources, the incident occurred in the Faskari Local Government Area when suspected bandits ambushed travelers along the highway. Prompt response by police officers led to a confrontation with the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
The rescued individuals have been identified as Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida. All six were reported to be in good condition following the operation and have been reunited with their families.
The Katsina State Police Command has intensified patrols and surveillance along vulnerable highways in the region amid ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping.
Authorities urged residents and commuters to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
This latest success underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target highways for ambushes and abductions. No casualties were reported among the security personnel involved in the rescue.
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