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NDLEA intercepts Captagon in Kwara, makes other significant drug seizures nationwide
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has intercepted a consignment of the stimulant drug Captagon in Kwara State, marking the second seizure of the drug in Africa after a previous one at Lagos' Apapa Port five years ago. Captagon, an amphetamine-type stimulant, is known for producing euphoria, suppressing fatigue, and reducing fear, and its production and sale are linked to militias and criminal groups. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi stated that 10,000 Captagon pills, valued at $25 per pill, were recovered on April 21, 2026, from 33-year-old Nasiru Mu’azu, along with nine packets of Tapentadol 250mg. In a separate operation on April 24, 2026, at the same location, officers seized 155,900 capsules of Tramadol, 6,000 ampoules of Tramadol injection, 3,000 tablets of Co-Codamol, and 9,000 tablets of Bromazepam, leading to the arrest of 24-year-old Aminu Isah. In Oyo State on April 21, 2026, Eze Prince Emeka, 33, was arrested after excreting 45 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.043 kilograms. He intended to travel through trans-Saharan routes to Algeria and potentially Europe. Other seizures include 1,196,000 pills of pharmaceutical opioids in Edo State, 810 kilograms of Arizona cannabis in Lagos, 154.5 kilograms of skunk in Bauchi State, and 466.8 kilograms of skunk in Ekiti State. In Cross River State, approximately 20,000 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed on eight hectares of farmland. Additionally, 394 pieces of improvised explosive device components were seized in
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Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas stated he would not support violence or bloodshed in his pursuit of a second term, emphasizing that his political future would be determined by the will of the people. Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Governor Kefas highlighted that public opinion would guide his reelection approach, asserting that leaders must be accountable to citizens rather than driven by a desperate quest for power. He indicated a willingness to accept rejection if the electorate is dissatisfied with his performance, stating he would rather step down than allow bloodshed. Governor Kefas reflected on his political journey, noting that his emergence as governor was influenced by timing, alignment, and past decisions, and urged politicians to trust the process. He also mentioned his administration's focus on building a lasting legacy for Taraba State, which he said was created over 29 years ago. Upon assuming office, Governor Kefas identified the absence of a developmental master plan as a major setback, despite the state's rich natural resources. To address this, his administration developed a comprehensive development plan for the entire state. Governor Kefas defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in January 2026, explaining that this decision was made in the best interest of Taraba.
BreakingMali's Defense Minister Sadio Camara, his second wife, and two grandchildren died after a car bomb attack on his home in Kita, outside Bamako, according to his family and an official. This incident occurred amidst a second day of fighting between the Malian army, jihadist fighters, and separatist rebels near the capital and other cities. The synchronized attacks on Saturday, carried out by the Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front FLA coalition and the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM, targeted multiple areas across the country. Fighting continued on Sunday in locations including Kita, Kidal, Gao, and Severe. Tuareg rebels announced an agreement for Russian forces supporting Mali's army to withdraw from Kidal, claiming the city was "totally" under their control. A Tuareg official stated that an accord allowed the Malian army and its "Africa Corps" allies to leave Camp 2, where they had been since the previous day. Kidal, a Tuareg stronghold, was retaken by the Malian army with Russian Wagner group support in November 2023. The FLA also claims to have taken positions in the northern Gao region. A security source indicated the attackers' aim was to carry out coordinated actions to capture Kidal, a symbolic location, rather than seize and control cities. These attacks are described as the worst since the junta seized power in 2020. The Malian government reported 16 civilians and soldiers wounded and "limited material damage," stating the situation
The Nigerian Army has reported the destruction of 10 illegal refining sites and the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta region. During operations conducted from April 1 to April 26, 2026, the Army confiscated 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil AGO, with an estimated value of N250 million. Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, stated that these achievements were made in collaboration with other security agencies across Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states. Operations in Rivers State included the interception of a truck with 45,000 litres of stolen products, the discovery of a reservoir with over 35,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and another with 26,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops also confiscated 266 sacks containing 17,760 litres of stolen products in Ebocha, Omoku, and discovered four drum ovens and 50 sacks with over 3,000 litres of crude oil in Abessa Forest. In Delta State, a tapping point with a dugout storage pit containing over 2,700 litres of stolen products was uncovered. In Akwa Ibom State, 45 bags containing a 1,350-litre stockpile of illegally refined AGO were found. Major General Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the troops and urged them to maintain their efforts against economic saboteurs.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, launched a dedicated digital platform for the pro-Tinubu civic organization in Abuja. The platform, which includes the official website www.rhambassadors.org and integrated social media channels, aims to serve as a verified information hub. It will deepen public understanding of the administration’s reform programs, consolidate policy explainers, and provide updates on government information. Uzodimma stated that the website features an updateable dashboard for real-time access to economic metrics and performance indicators, allowing Nigerians to track the administration's progress. He also highlighted an off-site, AI-powered Data Communication Centre designed for intelligence gathering, sentiment tracking, and countering misinformation. The platform is intended to foster engagement and provide a direct interface between the government and citizens for feedback and participation. The launch was attended by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and various RHA directors and coordinators. The Renewed Hope Ambassadors, established in late 2025, serves as a civic engagement arm to mobilize grassroots communication of government policy and address false information. President Bola Tinubu appointed Uzodimma as "Renewed Hope Ambassador" in November 2025, with responsibilities including party outreach, engagement, and mobilization. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani was n