50 Nigerians arrested in India drug busts
No fewer than 50 Nigerians have been arrested in one of India’s largest coordinated crackdowns on a transnational narcotics network. The suspects are accused of belonging to a sophisticated cartel that distributed drugs and laundered proceeds across several major Indian cities.
According to Indian media, the operation was led by the Delhi Police in partnership with Telangana Police’s EAGLE unit and other state forces. Months of intelligence gathering culminated in simultaneous raids across Delhi, exposing key layers of a network moving methamphetamine and cocaine nationwide.
Investigators found that the syndicate built an extensive customer base using encrypted communication and an app-style delivery system that mimicked food-delivery services to execute drug “dead drops” and avoid direct contact. Officials said the distribution chain was intertwined with a sex-trade ring, which provided cover and logistics for moving narcotics.
Authorities estimate that about 2,000 customers were supplied drugs through courier and dead-drop methods linked to the network. They described the structure as highly sophisticated, using layered communication channels to evade law enforcement.
On the financial side, police revealed that cartel profits were routed through hawala operators, then converted into goods shipped to Nigeria. Items such as garments and human hair were exported to Lagos, disguising illicit earnings as legitimate trade.
One identified kingpin is suspected of laundering at least ₹15 crore through these hawala channels alone. Officials said the arrests mark a key milestone in multi-agency efforts to dismantle entrenched drug cartels linking India and foreign networks.
The latest crackdown follows earlier PUNCH Metro reports of Nigerians arrested in India over synthetic-drug trafficking, including cases in Bengaluru, Delhi and Goa. Indian police now see this operation, which netted 50 Nigerian suspects, as a major step toward disrupting an evolving narcotics supply chain.
Investigators say the next phase will focus on tightening immigration checks, tracking hawala facilitators and hunting remaining cartel commanders believed to be operating from outside India.
About the author
Trump calls on Japan and NATO to step up on Iran as Hormuz crisis lifts oil prices
President Donald Trump has pressed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and NATO allies to “step up” support for the US led war with Iran as surging oil prices hit the global economy . At a White House meeting, Trump praised Takaichi but urged Japan to do more to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s actions have severely disrupted tanker traffic and driven energy prices higher . He said Washington does not “need anything” from allies but argued it is appropriate for partners like Japan and NATO members to contribute more ships to clear mines and escort tankers through the strategic waterway . Trump defended keeping allies in the dark about his Iran plans by invoking Japan’s 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, telling a Japanese reporter, “We wanted surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t […]
2Baba, Shalipopi, Young Jonn, Phyno, Flavour to thrill fans at Big Fiesta in 12 Nigerian cities this Easter
A star studded lineup led by 2Baba, Shalipopi, Young Jonn, Phyno and Flavour will entertain fans at the first edition of Big Fiesta holding in 12 cities across Nigeria during the Easter weekend from April 3 to April 6, 2026 . Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Sarah Agha, said Big Fiesta was created on the back of the successful “A Legendary Christmas” campaign, which showcased flagship brands such as Heineken, Maltina and Goldberg nationwide . She explained that the new platform is designed to go beyond December festivities by creating rich entertainment experiences for fun seekers and consumers in multiple locations as they mark the end of Ramadan, Lent and the Easter celebrations . According to Agha, a total of 36 experience driven events have been scheduled under the Big Fiesta umbrella to spread joy, share happiness and support jobs […]
50 countries to pay homage to Lisabi and Alake at Egbaliganza 2026
At least 50 countries will participate in this year’s Egbaliganza, a flagship cultural programme of the Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, paying homage to legendary Egba hero Lisabi and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo. Convener of Egbaliganza, Aare Dr Lai Labode, said the March 28, 2026 event will turn Abeokuta into a cultural capital, showcasing the weight of Egba history, craftsmanship, language and identity on a global stage. He announced a packed programme for the day, starting with a Parade of Nations where delegations from over 50 countries will display their distinct cultures alongside the Egba people on a shared platform. A formal charter signing will accompany the parade to establish long term cooperation between participating nations and the Egbaliganza platform in culture, tourism and creative enterprise. Other highlights include the Walk of Heroes and Walk […]
Wale Adenuga sets record straight on Abiodun Ayoyinka Papa Ajasco claims
Veteran producer Wale Adenuga has responded to recent comments by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, best known for playing Papa Ajasco, saying the viral video reflects the comedian’s personal strategy but has created misconceptions about their long working relationship . Adenuga said his first reaction on seeing the trending clip was that Ayoyinka had taken the Papa Ajasco comedy character into the public space as a money making social media strategy and that he was happy it worked for him . He described Ayoyinka as a versatile actor who embodied the Papa Ajasco role excellently and most closely resembled the cartoon character he first sketched in 1976, adding that they remain close and have no irreconcilable differences . However, he expressed concern over what he called misinformation and emotional commentary that followed the interview, insisting he needed to set the record straight […]
Femi Abiodun inspires young leaders with new book From Classroom to Boardroom
UK based Nigerian life coach and author Femi Abiodun has released a new book titled From Classroom to Boardroom aimed at helping young graduates navigate life after school, especially in business and career choices . He says life after graduation can feel overwhelming without guidance, but that walking with wisdom from those who have gone ahead makes the journey clearer, lighter and more intentional . Abiodun explains that the book shares timeless, practical principles that many schools never teach, to help readers stand out, thrive and succeed in real life beyond the classroom . He notes that life will always test people, but those who build the right capacity, stay grounded in sound principles and keep their heads up can rise above challenges and make steady progress . According to him, what people do not prepare for, they often have […]
Osimhen risks six week layoff after fracturing forearm in Liverpool defeat
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen could be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a fractured right forearm in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. The Super Eagles star was forced off at halftime as the Turkish champions lost 4 0 on the night and 4 1 on aggregate, crashing out of the competition in the round of 16. In a statement, Galatasaray confirmed that Osimhen’s injured arm has been placed in a cast and said the medical team is still weighing whether he will need surgery. A final decision will be taken after further examinations when the 27 year old returns from a short break granted during the international window. Osimhen is currently in Lagos, where he has been seen on social media driving around in his luxury cars while enjoying some days off before flying […]
Related
Trump calls on Japan and NATO to step up on Iran as Hormuz crisis lifts oil prices
President Donald Trump has pressed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and NATO allies to “step up” support for the US led war with Iran as surging oil prices hit the global economy . At a White House meeting, Trump praised Takaichi but urged Japan to do more to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s actions have severely disrupted tanker traffic and driven energy prices higher . He said Washington does not “need anything” from allies but argued it is appropriate for partners like Japan and NATO members to contribute more ships to clear mines and escort tankers through the strategic waterway . Trump defended keeping allies in the dark about his Iran plans by invoking Japan’s 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, telling a Japanese reporter, “We wanted surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t […]
Iran attack on Qatar gas hub triggers Trump threat and energy price spike
Qatar has reported extensive damage at the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas hub after Iranian missile and drone strikes, raising fresh fears for global energy supplies . Tehran said it attacked the giant LNG facility in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, which forms part of the world’s largest natural gas reservoir shared with Qatar . Oil prices jumped about five percent and European gas prices surged roughly 35 percent as markets reacted to the risk of prolonged disruption to gas exports from the Gulf . US President Donald Trump warned Iran to stop attacking Qatar, threatening that the United States would massively blow up the entire South Pars gas field if Tehran continued its strikes . In a social media post, Trump said Washington knew nothing about Israel’s earlier attack on South Pars, describing […]
US intel says China not planning 2027 Taiwan invasion
China does not have a plan to invade Taiwan in 2027 and has set no fixed deadline to take the island by force, according to a new annual threat assessment released by the United States intelligence community . The report says Beijing still wants eventual unification with Taiwan but prefers to achieve this goal without going to war, even as it continues to modernise its armed forces and increase pressure on the island . US agencies noted that some American defence officials had previously pointed to 2027 as a possible window for a Chinese attack, but the latest assessment concludes there is no current operational plan for an invasion in that year . Instead, the report says that in 2026 and beyond, China is likely to keep using political, economic and military tools to squeeze Taiwan and shape conditions for […]
White House says China agrees to postpone Trump Beijing trip
The White House says China has agreed to postpone United States President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, which was originally scheduled to take place in about two weeks . White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Washington is now working with Beijing to secure a new date for the trip as soon as possible . Trump had earlier announced that he would delay his Asia tour because of the demands of the ongoing war with Iran, saying he expected to make the trip in about five or six weeks but without giving a firm date . In a response to Reuters, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations . The embassy said China and the United States will continue to maintain communication on President […]
Tehran Residents Live in Fear Amid Airstrikes
Residents of Tehran are living in a state of constant tension as airstrikes and drone attacks hit the city, leaving many fearful for their lives. Footage and testimonies obtained by the BBC reveal a population on edge, always anticipating the next explosion. Baran, a businesswoman in her thirties who requested her name be changed, describes her life as a daily gamble. “With the start of drone attacks, no one dares to go outside. Stepping out of my door feels like risking my life,” she says. She remains in constant contact with friends, tracking each other’s safety, even when silence alone feels threatening. The city’s recent unrest has compounded these fears. Following nationwide protests demanding change in January, thousands of Iranians were killed in a brutal crackdown. Many, like Baran, feel their hopes for reform have been shattered. Security measures are […]
Zelensky warns of missile shortage amid conflicts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that his country could soon face a shortage of key missiles due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is diverting military resources away from Ukraine. In an interview with BBC News, Zelensky said the escalation involving United States, Israel and Iran risks weakening Ukraine’s defence efforts. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin stands to benefit from a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, as it shifts global attention and resources away from Kyiv. Zelensky expressed concern that peace negotiations with Russia are being delayed, attributing the slowdown largely to the unfolding crisis in Iran. He also noted that rising global energy prices—driven by regional instability—are working in Moscow’s favour while putting additional pressure on Ukraine. A major issue highlighted by the Ukrainian leader is the potential shortage of air defence […]