🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Edo State NDLEA arrests 48 suspected drug traffickers, seizes over 541kg of narcotics in May
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Edo State Command, announced the arrest of 48 suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of 541.47 kilograms of narcotic drugs during May. The arrests included 25 males and 22 females, apprehended through intelligence-led operations across various drug flashpoints in the state. Cannabis sativa constituted the majority of the seized drugs, totaling 540.6253 kg, alongside psychotropic substances, methamphetamine, and codeine syrup. The command's legal unit secured three convictions, filed five new cases, and has 94 pending cases in the Federal High Court in Benin City. Significant seizures included 27.3kg of cannabis sativa from Lucky Omen and various drugs from individuals like Joseph Osin, Prince Aniete, and Esther Okes. Raids in Auchi town led to the arrest of Abdulmalik Sunday and Abayomi Precious, with various quantities of Loud, Colorado, Tramadol, Swinol, Rohypnol, and methamphetamine recovered. In drug demand reduction efforts, the command counselled 31 individuals, with eight currently undergoing rehabilitation, and conducted five sensitisation programmes. The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State, urging public cooperation.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Troops from Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, neutralized two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation, which began on July 16 and concluded on July 17, involved troops advancing through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities. During a fierce gun battle, two criminals were killed, and three abducted individuals were rescued: Mr. Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr. Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr. Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA. Other captives reportedly fled during the exchange of gunfire. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle with an optic sight, a pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale device, and two pairs each of desert and woodland camouflage uniforms. Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, commended the troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism, reaffirming his commitment to ridding the Joint Operations Area of criminal elements.
Must ReadDidier Deschamps is set to conclude his 14-year tenure as France's coach after the World Cup third-place play-off against England. Deschamps, 57, aimed for a third World Cup triumph but France was defeated by Spain in the semi-finals, ending their bid for a third consecutive final. Reflecting on his time, Deschamps stated, "I had the privilege of experiencing moments that were magical, and others that were difficult. But life goes on. I’m a positive person, and I know things will be good, too. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me." He led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup and has guided the team to at least the semi-finals in five of his seven major competitions. His coaching career also saw disappointments, including losses in the Euro 2016 final and the 2022 World Cup final. Zinedine Zidane, Deschamps’ former teammate and a former Real Madrid star, is widely expected to be named the next head coach. Zidane, 54, has expressed his dream of managing France and has been preparing for the role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo noted the need for a leader who "ticks every box and who everyone in France can get behind."
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, swore in two commissioners, 20 permanent secretaries, and members of the Governing Council of the Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology. A key highlight was the appointment of Melody Omosah as the state's first visually impaired permanent secretary. Governor Okpebholo stated on his official Facebook page that this appointment signifies a historic milestone, emphasizing that ability, competence, and character should define opportunity, not disability. The governor also appointed Martin Oli, a member of the Igbo community, as a commissioner, highlighting his administration's commitment to inclusiveness. Okpebholo reiterated his administration's dedication to building an inclusive government where merit, excellence, and equal opportunity are prioritized over ethnicity, background, or personal connections, and to creating opportunities for all qualified individuals.