The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of cannabis in Lagos state.

A statement on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the boats were blocked at the Eleko beach in Lekki area of the state.

He said six foreign nationals were detained in connection to the shipment, which was allegedly brought in from Ghana.

Babafemi said the suspects include two Ghanaians and four Beninese.

“Operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA at 2:30 am on Christmas eve, Tuesday, December 24, intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis at the Eleko beach in Lekki area of Lagos,” the statement reads.

“Six foreign nationals who brought the consignments from Ghana were arrested during the operation. They include two Ghanaians: Godsway John, 38; and Freedom Kelvin, 33; as well as four Beninese: Chegoun Hounsou, 23; Gadabor Nyameto, 47; Adantg Sasa, 34; and Ayao Kayivi, 21.”

Babafemi said operatives of the agency also arrested a 48-year-old businessman identified as Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur for allegedly ingesting 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine while attempting to board a Paris-bound flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He said Orizu was arrested at the boarding gate of the Abuja airport last Sunday during the outward clearance of passengers on Air France.

“When he was pulled aside for a body scan, he turned down the request, claiming his medical condition won’t allow him,” the statement added.

“He was thereafter taken into custody for excretion observation during which he excreted a total of 74 wraps of the Class A drugs over a period of seven days.”

Orizu, a shop owner at Balogun Market in Lagos, reportedly said he was promised €3,000 for successfully delivering the goods to Paris.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano state command, has arrested 34 suspects with different quantities of illicit substances.

Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the state NDLEA commander, said the arrest was made to ensure a safe and drug-free Kano during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“On December 24, the agency dislodged several notorious drug joints across the state. These drug dens are located in Fagge Area, Sani Abacha Stadium, Danagundi, and the historically infamous Filin Idi drug den,” he said.

Idris-Baba said the command recovered substantial amounts of illicit substances such as cannabis sativa, suck and die, and Exol-5, among others.

Other recovered items include arms allegedly used by drug peddlers to pursue and attack officers.

“The drug users will receive the necessary counseling and support to aid their recovery,” he said.

The commander said the seizures reflect the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and curbing the availability of harmful substances within the state during the festive season.

He said those found culpable would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

The commander reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kano residents.

“We will continue to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from the streets of Kano and promote awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, as community cooperation is essential in this fight against drug-related issues,” he added.

At least 14 Nigerians have been declared wanted by the international criminal police organisation (Interpol) for alleged human and drug trafficking, robbery, cheating, and forgery.

Red Notices published on the Interpol website stated that the suspects are wanted by various countries.

The individuals named in the notices include Felix Omoregie, Jessica Edosomwan, Uche Egbue, Jude Uzoma, Chinedu Ezeunara, Benedict Okoro, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, and Alachi Stanley.

Others are Bouhari Salif, Timloh Nkem, Austine Costa, Okromi Festus, Akachi Vitus, and Mary Eze.

Belgian authorities have issued a notice for Omoregie, accusing him of leading a criminal organisation involved in exploiting minors for prostitution.

“Family name: Omoregie, Forename: Felix, Gender: Male, Date of birth: 22/10/1977 (47 years old), Nationality: Nigeria,” the notice reads.

“Charges published as provided by requesting entity: Sexual exploitation or exploitation of prostitution of minors over 16 years of age; Sexual exploitation or exploitation of prostitution of another person/Leader of a criminal organisation/Human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation.”

French authorities issued a notice for Edosomwan, accusing her of trafficking multiple victims in an organised operation and concealing proceeds of the crime.

The notice stated that Egbue is wanted in Argentina for drug trafficking, while Uzoma is sought by Brazil for similar charges.

Ezeunara is wanted by Uruguay for alleged drug trafficking, and Okoro is being pursued by Nicaragua for alleged organised crime.

Obidiozor, Vitus, and Stanley are wanted by Angola for alleged kidnapping, robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.

Notices also indicated that Eze is wanted in Denmark for alleged human trafficking, Salif in China for alleged drug smuggling, and Nkem in Canada for alleged sexual assault and failure to comply with conditions of recognisance.

Costa is sought by Indian authorities for alleged criminal conspiracy, forgery, and possession of forged documents.

Okromi is also wanted by India for alleged conspiracy and cheating.

Interpol explained that Red Notices serve to alert the public and law enforcement about wanted persons in order to help locate them.

“A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant,” the organisation stated.

“The individuals are wanted by the requesting member country or international tribunal. Member countries apply their laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.”

Interpol urged the public to report any information about the wanted persons to their local police authorities.