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.

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.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a series of significant operations across the country, including the interception of 30.09 kilograms of heroin concealed in coffee packs, valued at over N3 billion in street value, smuggled by a Brazilian national at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.

In a statement released on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, a 30-year-old Brazilian woman, Ms. Ingrid Rosa Benevides, who works as a private security officer in Brazil, was arrested on Friday, January 23, 2026, upon arrival from a Qatar Airways flight QR1431.

Acting on intelligence, operatives searched her two checked-in bags and discovered 21 factory-sealed packets of Brazilian coffee. Instead of the beverage, the packets contained white heroin totaling 30.09kg – marking the largest single heroin seizure at the Abuja airport.

The suspect claimed she intended the trip as a holiday.

The agency also highlighted efforts to disrupt illicit supply chains linked to potential security threats. On Friday, January 23, operatives arrested two suspects, Aminu Ali Baba, 20, and Abdulrasheed Abubakar, 28, in connection with two bags containing 140 packets of explosives intended for Kano and Kaduna.

The bags were intercepted in a commercial bus along the Kaduna-Zaria highway in Zaria, with follow-up arrests made at Karota park in Kano and Mando park in Kaduna.

Additional raids yielded substantial drug recoveries:- At Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday, January 20, two passengers bound for Istanbul, Turkey, were intercepted with 3,990 pills of tapentadol and tramaking concealed in food items.

– Marine Command operatives seized 1,848kg of Ghana Loud cannabis (in 44 jumbo bags) from a wooden boat at Jakande beach, Lekki, Lagos, early Thursday, January 22.

– In Borno State on Wednesday, January 21, 179,590 pills of tramadol and diazepam hidden in charcoal and animal feed sacks were recovered from a public transport vehicle from Potiskum, Yobe, leading to the arrest of Rabiu Imam, 32, in Maiduguri.

– In Niger State, Mrs. Eze Cynthia Chioma was arrested in Mokwa on Friday, January 23, following the seizure of 78,500 tramadol pills in Kwara State; her husband is already facing trial for similar offenses.

– In Ekiti State on Saturday, January 24, operatives arrested 72-year-old Afolalu Joseph and Abu Bunmi (alias Go Slow), 45, recovering 62kg of skunk.

– In Edo State, village head Chief James Abamu and Aboy Egah Abamu were taken into custody after soldiers transferred them following a raid at Lagos camp, Ilushi, on Wednesday, January 21, where 681kg skunk and 181kg cannabis seeds were recovered.

– Other seizures included 210kg skunk in Benue, 254.5kg in FCT, 39,800 tramadol pills in Lagos, 30,003 opioid pills and 20 liters of codeine in Delta, and 1,500kg skunk in Ondo.

The NDLEA also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization efforts in schools and communities across states like Taraba, Osun, Imo, Benue, and Katsina.

Commending officers from various commands for their professionalism, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), urged all personnel to sustain high standards in supply and demand reduction activities nationwide.