Metro

NAFDAC Shuts Over 11,000 Shops Selling Illicit Drugs, Arrests 40 Suspects

Published

4 months ago

February 22, 2025

Editor

…Evacuates 77 Truckloads in Aba, Onitsha, Idumota

…Says Crackdown Aims to Protect Lives, Not Disrupt Trade

…Laments Discovery of USAID-Donated Drugs in Markets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down over 11,000 drug shops across Aba, Onitsha, and Idumota as part of a nationwide crackdown on illicit drug sales. The agency also arrested 40 suspects linked to the distribution of unregistered and dangerous drugs.

Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that over 77 truckloads of counterfeit and illicit drugs had been evacuated—27 from Idumota, 30 from Onitsha, and over 20 from Aba.

She revealed that the operation has so far resulted in the closure of 3,027 shops in Idumota, 4,000 in Onitsha, and another 4,000 in Aba’s Osisioma area, with enforcement still ongoing.

Adeyeye described the discoveries as “mind-blowing,” revealing that the agency found:

Expired drugs with fraudulently altered expiration dates.

Controlled substances like Tramadol and Analgin, which have been banned in Nigeria.

Vaccines and antiretrovirals meant for free distribution, including those donated by USAID, being sold illegally.

Machines used to change drug expiration dates, making expired medicines appear valid until 2028.

Drugs stored in unsanitary locations, including toilets and poorly ventilated warehouses.

She estimated that the value of confiscated drugs runs into trillions of naira.

“We Are Protecting Lives, Not Disrupting Trade”

Addressing concerns from traders, Adeyeye insisted that NAFDAC’s actions were aimed at protecting public health rather than disrupting businesses.

“We are trying to safeguard the future of our young people from harmful drugs. We want to ensure patients recover with genuine medicine and not fake products that worsen their conditions,” she stated.

She also warned Nigerians against purchasing drugs from unauthorized sources:

“If you bought medicine from a street corner, throw it away. Only buy from a reputable pharmacy.”

Adeyeye lamented staff shortages and called for greater government support, revealing that over 1,000 security personnel were involved in the operation—400 in Onitsha, 350 in Aba, and 250 in Idumota.

She urged the federal government to tighten border security, as most of the counterfeit drugs were smuggled into the country.

“Our porous borders are making our job more difficult. We need more manpower to stop these harmful products from entering Nigeria.”

NAFDAC has vowed to expand enforcement to other states and work with sister agencies to ensure compliance.

“This is just the beginning. We will not stop until the menace of substandard and falsified drugs is eradicated from Nigeria,” Adeyeye declared.
(Vanguard)

Metro

Police Arrests Three Masterminds Of Abuja Kidnappings

Published

16 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested three notorious kidnap suspects linked to a spate of deadly abductions in Abuja and neighbouring states.

According to a statement signed by the Force PPRO, Abuja Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on Thursday, the suspects, 27 years old Ya’u Shittu from Kaduna State; 30 years old Sale Usman from Niger State; and 28 years old Ibrahim Abdullahi from Abuja, were captured during sting operations carried out between June 13 and 18, 2025, in Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa states by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad.

The suspects, who have been on the Command’s wanted list, reportedly confessed to multiple kidnappings and murders, including the 2024 killing of a pastor in Mpape and the abduction of children in the same area where their father was shot dead. Police also tied them to the kidnapping of a woman for whom N10 million was paid in ransom, with each gang member pocketing N500,000.

Adeh said the breakthrough followed “credible digital reconstructive intelligence” and was led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey.

According to the police, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who also doubled as the gang’s arms supplier, led officers to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State on June 18. Upon arrival, the police team was met with gunfire from other gang members, prompting a shootout.

“Abdullahi attempted to flee but was shot and rearrested. Other gang members escaped and are currently being pursued,” the statement added.

Exhibits recovered from the scene included a long knife and various charms.

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the bravery of the Scorpion Squad and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to public safety. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security operatives.

“This is a major blow to violent crime in the FCT. We are determined to rid our communities of criminal elements,” he said.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Meanwhile, police have intensified efforts to track and arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
(PUNCH)

Metro

FG Closes Case In Alleged Terrorism Trial Against Nnamdi Kanu

Published

19 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government, on Thursday, closed its case in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the allegations bordering on terrorism and treason.

The FG’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced this after the 5th prosecution witness (PW-5), identified as EEE for security reasons, was led in evidence and cross-examined by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Awomolo told the court that after calling five witnesses in the trial, the prosecution was satisfied that from the avalanche of evidence tendered, including the broadcast of activities of the leader of the IPOB, the government had sufficiently satisfied the need to close its case.

“I therefore close the case,” the senior lawyer said.

After the announcement, the lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, informed the court that they would be opting for a no-case submission, which would be filed in due course.
(NAN)

Metro

NAF Air Strikes Destroy IED Factory, Terrorists’ Gun Trucks In Borno

Published

19 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Thursday that its fighter aircraft operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has destroyed an IED factory and terrorist gun trucks and eliminated dozens of fighters in Kwaltiri, within the Tumbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations, said, “The 18 June 2025 airstrike followed intelligence reports of terrorist activity in the area.

“Surveillance confirmed the presence of an IED-making site and vehicles, which were struck in precision passes by NAF aircraft.

“The operation is a major blow to terrorists’ fighting capabilities, as the successful strikes not only disrupted their command and control as well as logistics chains but also sent shockwaves through their ranks, significantly degrading their morale and operational momentum.

“It reinforces NAF’s resolve to degrade terrorist capabilities and enhance security in the North East.”