Arrest of Shrine Priest After Months-Long Manhunt
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended Bariu Aliu, also known as “Malo,” the chief priest of the Igunuko Shrine in the Alpha Beach area of Ajah, Lekki. His arrest follows a three-month manhunt that began after the recovery of 2,760 kilograms of skunk from his shrine on October 25, 2024.

According to a statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday, the chief priest was identified as the leader of a drug syndicate operating from the shrine. Two of his accomplices were arrested, charged, and convicted last year, but Bariu had evaded capture until now.

Babafemi stated, “Though two of his accomplices were arrested at the shrine last year and subsequently charged and convicted in court, Bariu was identified as the syndicate leader. His arrest underscores the agency’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks regardless of their affiliations or locations.”

Massive Drug Bust in Abuja
In another major operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 40-foot trailer loaded with 2,217.6 kilograms of skunk during an intelligence-led raid in the Kagini area of Kubwa, Abuja. The operation took place in the early hours of Saturday, January 11, 2025, at an abandoned fuel station where the illicit cargo was being transferred into six vehicles for distribution to northern states.

The agency seized the trailer, six vehicles, and arrested a suspect identified as 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond. Babafemi explained, “The consignment was loaded onto the trailer at Uzebba in the Owan Local Council Area of Edo State. The vehicles seized include a Toyota Van, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna, a JAC 4-wheel-drive Hilux, a Toyota Corolla, and a Vento Passat.”

Cocaine and Precursor Recovery in the FCT
NDLEA officers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also arrested two suspects, 42-year-old Anthony Nnamdi and 27-year-old Abba Ali, in Nyanya. The operation resulted in the recovery of 1.398 kilograms of cocaine and a precursor chemical used in producing crack cocaine.

Additionally, 20 wraps of cocaine, weighing 330 grams, were intercepted at a logistics firm in Lagos. The cocaine was ingeniously concealed in face cream containers, bound for Australia.

Codeine-Based Syrup Worth ₦1.19 Billion Seized in Port Harcourt
The NDLEA, in collaboration with Customs and other security agencies, discovered 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden in two containers during inspections at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State. The operation, conducted on January 9 and 10, uncovered the illicit items with an estimated street value exceeding ₦1.19 billion.

Arrests and Seizures in Kano
In Kano, NDLEA officers raided a location at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria Road, on January 9. The raid led to the arrest of 23-year-old Habibu Ya’u and the recovery of 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2 kilograms, along with 40,800 pills of opioids, including tramadol.

Ongoing Commitment to Tackling Drug Syndicates
The NDLEA continues to intensify its efforts to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates across the country. The agency’s spokesperson highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led operations in curbing the menace of illicit drug trafficking.

Babafemi reiterated the agency’s resolve: “These operations send a clear message to those involved in drug trafficking. No matter how elaborate their schemes, the NDLEA is committed to bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.”

The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to aid ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes.