By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 93-year-old great-grandfather, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, and a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in connection with drug trafficking.

The arrests were part of a wider crackdown on drug cartels across several states in Nigeria.

Pa Friday Chigbu was apprehended at his home in Abia State on April 7, 2026, where operatives recovered 7.7 kilograms of skunk. The nonagenarian claimed he had been smoking the substance since 1959 but only transitioned into the illicit trade about a year ago to make a living.

In a separate operation, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata was arrested in Ogun State following a follow-up investigation. He was identified as the mastermind behind an Ivorian courier who was caught at the Kano airport with 82 wraps of cocaine destined for Milan, Italy.

The NDLEA also disrupted a family drug business in Niger State, arresting a couple, Abdullahi and Adama Umar. During a search of their kitchen, officers discovered and seized 118 kilograms of skunk, leading to the couple’s immediate detention.

Massive seizures were also recorded in Edo State, where two long trucks were intercepted along Warrake Road. The vehicles were found to be carrying a combined total of 7,245 kilograms of processed cannabis hidden among crates of beer intended for delivery to Abuja.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the various state commands for their successful interdictions. He emphasized that the agency remains committed to balancing drug supply reduction with social advocacy and demand reduction efforts nationwide.