The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 151 wraps of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) and 15 wraps of Canadian Loud to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Owerri, Imo State. The narcotics, weighing 77,500 grams and 8,600 grams respectively, were intercepted during routine patrols by officers acting on credible intelligence.
Customs Area Controller Bishir Balogun explained that the substances were expertly concealed to evade detection, but diligent customs officers uncovered the illicit cargo during operations within the zone. Balogun emphasized that this achievement highlights the ongoing collaboration between the Customs Service and NDLEA toward safeguarding Nigeria’s security, health, and economy.
Balogun stressed that while the NCS’s mandate includes revenue generation and trade facilitation, intercepting banned and dangerous goods remains crucial to national security. He commended FOU Zone C officers for their vigilance and the NDLEA for its vital role in prosecuting drug-related crimes. He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting communities from illegal substances and urged the public to support law enforcement by providing useful information against smugglers and traffickers.
About the author
NDLEA arrests two grandfathers selling drugs to students in Abia
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two elderly men, aged 84 and 75, for allegedly selling illicit drugs to secondary school students in Umuahia, Abia State. The two men, described as grandfathers, were identified as Pa John Ofiel, 84, and another elderly suspect, 75 years old. They were arrested following credible intelligence that they were involved in drug peddling targeting students in the area. According to reports, the suspects were supplying drugs to secondary school students, raising serious concerns about the exposure of young people to illegal substances and the involvement of elderly individuals in such criminal activities. NDLEA operatives have been conducting raids across the country to crack down on drug trafficking networks. The arrests come as part of a nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trade that has resulted in the seizure of skunk and other narcotic […]
NAF boosts national security with 111 new special forces operators
https://punchng.com/naf-strengthens-national-security-with-111-new-special-forces-operators The Nigerian Air Force has graduated 111 new special forces operators to strengthen national security operations across the country. The personnel completed Special Forces Course 13/2026 at the Nigerian Air Force Regiment Training Centre in Jos, Plateau State. The course focused on advanced skills needed for counter terrorism, counter insurgency, and other high risk operations. According to the Air Force, the graduation marks another milestone in efforts to build a robust pool of elite forces capable of responding swiftly to emerging security threats. The new operators received intensive training in weapons handling, small unit tactics, assault operations, intelligence driven missions, and survival skills in hostile environments. The Chief of Air Staff, represented at the event, charged the graduands to maintain high levels of discipline, professionalism, and dedication as they join ongoing operations in different theatres nationwide. He noted that […]
SERAP demands N110bn refund for luxury cars and unlawful allowances
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas refund N110 billion to the public treasury after a Federal High Court in Lagos declared the National Assembly's spending on luxury SUVs and unlawful allowances illegal. The court ruling on the 5th of May came in a suit SERAP filed in 2023, challenging the 10th Assembly's plan to spend N40 billion on 465 exotic and bulletproof cars and N70 billion as holiday allowances for new lawmakers. Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court held that the N110 billion spend violated section 57(4) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and lawmakers' constitutional oath of office. The judgment found that the spending breached the principle that public funds must be used judiciously, especially at a time when […]
Army confirms intel on Turji weapons training in Sokoto
The Nigerian Army has confirmed intelligence reports that loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji are undergoing weapons training and tactical exercises in parts of eastern Sokoto State, raising fresh security concerns in the Sokoto–Zamfara border corridor. According to the intelligence report, the gathering is taking place in areas stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja, where fighters linked to Turji are reportedly conducting military-style drills using newly acquired weapons. Altine International Security咨询公司 (Altine International Security Consulting) disclosed that intelligence reaching the organisation indicated the fighters were receiving training on the use of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area. "Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces," Altine said. Altine further […]
INEC declares Oyebanji winner of Ekiti governorship poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, securing a second term in office. According to the final results announced by the state returning officer, Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State. His closest rivals trailed by significant margins, confirming what the APC has described as a “clean sweep” at the polls. The declaration was made in the early hours of Sunday at the state collation centre after INEC officials concluded the collation and verification of results from the various local government areas. The exercise followed the close of voting and counting at polling units across the state on Saturday. Oyebanji’s victory confirms continued control of Ekiti State by the APC, four years […]
Japan raises visa fees for Nigerians and other foreigners by 400%
Japan has sharply increased visa application fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, raising costs by up to 400 percent for several categories of visas. According to Japan’s revised tariff, the standard single‑entry visa fee has risen from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen for most foreign applicants, including Nigerians. This represents a fivefold increase in the amount payable per application. Multiple‑entry and double‑entry visas have also recorded significant hikes, with fees moving from about 6,000 yen to considerably higher levels under the new structure. Transit visas, which previously attracted a lower charge, now come with increased costs as well, although they remain cheaper than single‑entry visas. In addition to the higher visa fees, applicants using visa application centres will continue to pay separate service charges and, in some locations, courier fees for document transfer between Lagos, Abuja, and the embassy. […]
Related
NDLEA arrests two grandfathers selling drugs to students in Abia
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two elderly men, aged 84 and 75, for allegedly selling illicit drugs to secondary school students in Umuahia, Abia State. The two men, described as grandfathers, were identified as Pa John Ofiel, 84, and another elderly suspect, 75 years old. They were arrested following credible intelligence that they were involved in drug peddling targeting students in the area. According to reports, the suspects were supplying drugs to secondary school students, raising serious concerns about the exposure of young people to illegal substances and the involvement of elderly individuals in such criminal activities. NDLEA operatives have been conducting raids across the country to crack down on drug trafficking networks. The arrests come as part of a nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trade that has resulted in the seizure of skunk and other narcotic […]
NAF boosts national security with 111 new special forces operators
https://punchng.com/naf-strengthens-national-security-with-111-new-special-forces-operators The Nigerian Air Force has graduated 111 new special forces operators to strengthen national security operations across the country. The personnel completed Special Forces Course 13/2026 at the Nigerian Air Force Regiment Training Centre in Jos, Plateau State. The course focused on advanced skills needed for counter terrorism, counter insurgency, and other high risk operations. According to the Air Force, the graduation marks another milestone in efforts to build a robust pool of elite forces capable of responding swiftly to emerging security threats. The new operators received intensive training in weapons handling, small unit tactics, assault operations, intelligence driven missions, and survival skills in hostile environments. The Chief of Air Staff, represented at the event, charged the graduands to maintain high levels of discipline, professionalism, and dedication as they join ongoing operations in different theatres nationwide. He noted that […]
SERAP demands N110bn refund for luxury cars and unlawful allowances
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas refund N110 billion to the public treasury after a Federal High Court in Lagos declared the National Assembly's spending on luxury SUVs and unlawful allowances illegal. The court ruling on the 5th of May came in a suit SERAP filed in 2023, challenging the 10th Assembly's plan to spend N40 billion on 465 exotic and bulletproof cars and N70 billion as holiday allowances for new lawmakers. Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court held that the N110 billion spend violated section 57(4) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and lawmakers' constitutional oath of office. The judgment found that the spending breached the principle that public funds must be used judiciously, especially at a time when […]
Army confirms intel on Turji weapons training in Sokoto
The Nigerian Army has confirmed intelligence reports that loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji are undergoing weapons training and tactical exercises in parts of eastern Sokoto State, raising fresh security concerns in the Sokoto–Zamfara border corridor. According to the intelligence report, the gathering is taking place in areas stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja, where fighters linked to Turji are reportedly conducting military-style drills using newly acquired weapons. Altine International Security咨询公司 (Altine International Security Consulting) disclosed that intelligence reaching the organisation indicated the fighters were receiving training on the use of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area. "Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces," Altine said. Altine further […]
INEC declares Oyebanji winner of Ekiti governorship poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, securing a second term in office. According to the final results announced by the state returning officer, Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State. His closest rivals trailed by significant margins, confirming what the APC has described as a “clean sweep” at the polls. The declaration was made in the early hours of Sunday at the state collation centre after INEC officials concluded the collation and verification of results from the various local government areas. The exercise followed the close of voting and counting at polling units across the state on Saturday. Oyebanji’s victory confirms continued control of Ekiti State by the APC, four years […]
Japan raises visa fees for Nigerians and other foreigners by 400%
Japan has sharply increased visa application fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, raising costs by up to 400 percent for several categories of visas. According to Japan’s revised tariff, the standard single‑entry visa fee has risen from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen for most foreign applicants, including Nigerians. This represents a fivefold increase in the amount payable per application. Multiple‑entry and double‑entry visas have also recorded significant hikes, with fees moving from about 6,000 yen to considerably higher levels under the new structure. Transit visas, which previously attracted a lower charge, now come with increased costs as well, although they remain cheaper than single‑entry visas. In addition to the higher visa fees, applicants using visa application centres will continue to pay separate service charges and, in some locations, courier fees for document transfer between Lagos, Abuja, and the embassy. […]