Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor as part of intensified nationwide operations targeting drug cartels and their collaborators.

The nonagenarian, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested in Abia State, where 7.7kg of skunk was recovered from his residence. He reportedly admitted to entering the drug trade over a year ago after decades of personal use.

In a separate operation, an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, was intercepted at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 1.49kg of cocaine concealed in his body while attempting to board a flight to Italy. Investigations led to the arrest of Chudi Daniel Ofomata in Ogun State, identified as the alleged mastermind. Narcotics, including promazepam and promethazine injections, were recovered from him.

Across the country, multiple raids led to further arrests and seizures. In Ogun and Imo states, large quantities of cannabis were recovered from suspects, while in Niger State, a couple was apprehended with 118kg of skunk hidden in their home.

NDLEA operatives also intercepted a trailer in Borno State conveying thousands of tablets of Rohypnol, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections, leading to the arrest of the consignment owner.

In Lagos, anti-narcotics officers seized cannabis concealed in a passenger bus and later intercepted a truck transporting over 26,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup. Additional raids in Abuja resulted in the arrest of eight suspects at a notorious drug hub.

One of the largest seizures occurred in Edo State, where two trucks carrying a combined 7,245kg of processed cannabis hidden among goods were intercepted, with five suspects arrested.

The agency said its War Against Drug Abuse campaign also continued nationwide through sensitisation programmes in schools and communities.