Metro
Pregnant Woman, Female Undergraduate, 26 Others Arrested With Tons Of Illicit Drugs

A pregnant woman, a nursing mother and a 200-level university student were among 28 persons arrested with 9,437.6 kilograms of cannabis and 138,053 tablets of pharmaceutical opioids among others by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Authorities say the arrest was made during interdiction operations across 12 states: Yobe, Ondo, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In the FCT, operatives on Saturday 15th October stormed a village known as Chukuku, which is about 10 kilometers from Gwagwalada where they raided a large cannabis warehouse.
A total of 510 jumbo bags of the illicit substance weighing 5, 640kgs were recovered from the store and a nursing mother in charge, Sa’adatu Abdullahi, 35, was arrested.
In Yobe, while operatives intercepted 48kgs of cannabis in Buni Yadi, they also raided a location in Potiskum where they recovered 56 blocks (31kgs) from two suspects: Mohammed Mamuda and a married pregnant woman, Hauwa Haruna.
Similarly, at least, 99 bags of cannabis and three bags of its seeds weighing 1,286kgs were seized on Thursday 13th Oct when operatives raided a location in Ogbese area of Ondo state, while another raid at Umukpe forest in Uhunmonde council area of Edo state led to the seizure of 410kgs of the same substance in addition to a motorcycle, two dane guns and the arrest of two suspects: Numga Anim, 30, and Friday Ebije, 50.
In a similar vein, not less than 50 bags of C/S weighing 623kgs were also recovered at Ekpom village in Igueben LGA with the arrest of the owner, Lucky Henry, 30, while another suspect, Ndidi Esegine, 52, was nabbed at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East LGA with 266.8kgs C/S on Tuesday 11th Oct.
READ ALSO: Police Arrest Suspect With Illicit Drugs During Raid In Delta
Two days later, operatives stormed Uzebba forest in Owan West LGA to destroy four cannabis farms where two suspects: Ezekiel Raphael and Gideon Bassey were arrested with a total of 223.5kgs processed C/S recovered.
The NDLEA in a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that a stop and search operation along the East/West road, in Ahoada area of Rivers state also led to the recovery of 251.4kgs of C/S in a gold colour Toyota Sienna bus with Reg No – Abuja YAB 70 BR, and a suspect, Segun Ajayi arrested, while 161.4kgs were equally recovered, from an ash colour Toyota Camry saloon car with Reg No- Abuja RBC 590 BQ.
In Akwa Ibom state, attempt by a trans-border trafficker, Edet Osu James, 44, to export 2.4kgs cocaine concealed in two large tins of powdered milk to Cameroon was foiled by officers of the Marine unit of the Agency on Thursday 13th Oct during an outward clearance of vessels going to Cameroon from Oron.
Likewise, in Imo state, no fewer than 10,690 pills of tramadol were intercepted during stop and search operations along Owerri-Onitsha road with three suspects: Saadu Usman; Godwin Emeka and Emeka Obijihe arrested in follow-up efforts on Thursday 13th Oct.
Interestingly, Emeka Obijihe was already standing trial for a similar offence for which he was arrested on 9th May 2022 and was on court bail when he was arrested again last Thursday for trafficking 6.5kgs of tramadol.
Meanwhile in Jigawa state, operatives recovered 67,300 pills of exol-5 and tramadol at Dansure/Roni junction while in Kogi state, a total of 46,100 pills of the same opioids were seized along Okene-Abuja highway both on Thursday 13th Oct.
At least, six suspects were arrested at a notorious drug location in Ngurore town, Adamawa state with a total of 495kgs cannabis seized in addition to different quantities of opioids. Suspects arrested include: Chidi Titus; Vincent Donatus; Badishi Bitrus; Abubakar Inuwa; Abdul A. Abdul and Inuwa Ado Isa.
Mr Babafemi in his correspondence also noted that at least, 5,480 pills of tramadol were seized from two suspects: Dalhatu Salisu and Hamisu Ishaq, who were arrested on Wednesday 12th October by operatives along Abuja-Kaduna express road, while a total of 3,800 bottles of new psychoactive substance, Akuskura and 7,760 tablets of tramadol were recovered from five suspects along Ilorin-Jebba highway.
Four of the suspects: Idris Nadir, 38; Suleiman Mubammed, 68; Babangida Zaki, 30 and Yahaya Lawal claimed they were coming from Ibadan, Oyo state and taking the Akuskura to Katsina, Kano and Birnin Kebbi. The fifth suspect, Nafiu Idris, who was arrested with the tramadol pills said he was taking them to Kankara in Katsina state.
Furthermore, a 200-level student of Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Ms. Mercy Nyong, 30, was on Wednesday 12th Oct arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos for attempting to export 300grams of tramadol 225mg concealed in incense products going to Dubai, UAE.
In another development, nine Ghanaians arrested for attempting to smuggle 10,843.95kgs cannabis into Nigeria through the sea were on Friday 14th Oct convicted and sentenced to 72 years imprisonment.
They were initially arrested by men of the Civil Defence Corps and transferred to NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution. At the conclusion of investigations, they were arraigned in charge number FHC/L/292C/2021.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Arrests Abuja Businessman Trading Drugs Online
Delivering his ruling in the matter on Friday, Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos convicted the Ghanaians of conspiracy and dealing in cannabis and thereafter sentenced each of them to eight years in prison.
The convicts include: Victor Wuddah; Freeman Gazul; Adotete Joseph; Sottie Moses; Sottie Stephen; Christian Tette; Kanu Okonipa; Daniel Koyepti; and Kanu Natte.
While commending the officers and men of Yobe, MMIA, Ondo, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos and FCT Commands of the anti-narcotics Agency for their efforts at drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), charged the operatives and their counterparts across other commands not to rest on their oars.
Metro
ARISE News Broadcaster Killed In Abuja

The management and staff of ARISE News Channel have announced the untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, one of their brightest talents, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, and is now under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.
Born on December 26, 1995, Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, at just 29 years old, had already established herself as a dynamic news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News.
Known for her professionalism and captivating on-screen presence, she was a rising star in Nigerian journalism whose voice connected deeply with audiences across the country.
READ ALSO:One Dead, Several Injured After US Shooting, Fire At Mormon Church
Beyond journalism, Sommie was a trained lawyer who brought sharp analytical skills and a passion for justice into her reporting. Colleagues describe her as a dedicated professional, a supportive teammate, and a cherished friend whose warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
In a statement, ARISE News expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a devastating loss: “Somtochukwu was not only a cherished member of our ARISE family but also a vibrant voice who inspired, informed, and connected with viewers. Her voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure in our collective memory.”
The channel extended heartfelt condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones while calling for justice.
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“We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits,” the statement read.
The late Somtochukwu’s death has sent waves of grief across Nigeria’s media industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and viewers who admired her fearless storytelling and commitment to truth.
Her legacy as both a journalist and lawyer will be remembered as one that blended intellect, courage, and humanity.
Metro
Motorists, Commuters Lament Slow Pace Of Repairs On Benin-Sapele Road

Residents living on the Benin-Sapele Road axis of the ancient city on Monday decried the slow pace of the ongoing repairs on the highway.
Signs of the failed road stretching from the By-pass axis to the Ologbo-koko Junction began in 2018 due to poor drainage design or failure to maintain drains.
At a stage, the road became near impassable due to political differences between the state government who ought to have done some palliative work, and the Federal Government whose duty it is to rehabilitate the road that linked the west to the South-south corridors.
Signs of relief however set in when the current Edo State Government took over a portion of rehabilitation the road earlier embarked upon by Levant Construction Firm.
READ ALSO:How I Survived Kidnap, Assassination Attempt – Rivers Speaker
However, despite the take over of the portion of the ongoing repairs, there seems to be no tangible improvement.
Lamenting the slow pace of the ongoing repairs, a resident of Ogheghe by the by-pass who identified himself as Igbinovia Lucky, said since he moved into his apartment in 2022, it has been a nightmare coming to the city and going back home at close of work.
According to him, more times are spent on the road especially in the evenings when workers are going back home.
He said most times, a journey which ordinarily should take an average of 30 – 45 minutes, lasts up to 5 or 6 hours.
Also, a transporter, Sunday Ochuko, who ply the road said the bad state of the road has drastically reduced the number of hours and trips per day for drivers.
“The bad state of the road has increased accident risks occasioned by trucks that often get stuck, tip over, or delay for days. The end results is incidents of theft, livestock being abandoned or offloaded from trucks, and security concerns including kidnappings along certain stretches.”
According to him, vehicles suffer greater wear and tear with motorists spending more on fuel (due to inefficiencies, slow speeds, detours) and repairs.
“Apart from businesses, individuals are affected. What might be a 1‑hour trip becomes 5‑6 hours. This reduces the number of trips, lowers work hours, and increases delays in supply chains.
READ ALSO: Dangote Hits Out At PENGASSAN, Says Union ‘Serial Saboteurs, Serving Oligarchs’
“The corridor is vital for trade between Edo and Delta states, but poor road quality makes it harder to move goods efficiently to market, possibly reducing competitiveness”, Ochuko said.
He continued: “Farmers face similar difficulties transporting produce; some goods spoilt or get damaged before reaching markets, thus reducing their incomes, reduced food supply and raising costs.
“Fares for passengers have nearly doubled on the Benin to Sapele route. Transport operators are making fewer trips per day.”
On her part, a fruit seller who buys fruits from Benin to sell in Sapele lamented the delays and losses of goods due to damage, spoilage, or pilferage.
She said due to the bad road, sellers many times have to raise prices because transporters who pass along the road Increased fares.
Metro
Gunmen Kill 12 Forest Guards In Kwara

Gunmen in central Nigeria have killed at least a dozen guards who protect forests and flush out criminal gangs and jihadists, police said.
The attack occurred on Sunday when the attackers raided Oke-Ode, a small town around 70 kilometres (45 miles) from the Kwara state capital, Ilorin.
Police said the armed men “invaded” the area, “shooting sporadically”.
Police and forest security services responded and “discovered 12 lifeless bodies” of the guards. Four others were wounded.
READ ALSO:Insecurity: Army HQ Directs GOC Ibadan To Relocate To Kwara
It was not immediately clear who the gunmen were.
But gangs known locally as bandits and jihadists operate out of bases hidden in forests across the northern and central states.
The criminal gangs loot and burn down villages as well as carry out kidnapping for ransom.
The state has witnessed a series of deadly attacks in recent months, with locals blaming the Mahmuda group, a gang loyal to Mahmud al-Nigeri, a senior leader of the Ansaru terror group.
READ ALSO:Foreign Currency Found On Beggars As 40 Evacuated In Kwara
Ansaru grew out of a 2021 split within the Boko Haram group and the group then allied itself with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
Nigeria’s national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu said last month that Ansaru has “urban sleeper cells” and “remote forest bases” in Niger and Kwara states in central Nigeria.
In mid-August, Nigerian authorities announced the capture of al-Nigeri along with fellow Ansaru figure Mahmud Muhammad Usman.
Kwara state governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called for “increased security deployments” to help “roll back the activities of criminals.”
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