NDLEA Seizes 6,778 kg of Canadian Cannabis at Lagos Port

The Federal Road Safety Corps has officially assumed control of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, an extremely strong type of marijuana, which was seized at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.

An illegal shipment was formally transferred to the NDLEA in a ceremony held at Apapa Port on Wednesday, after being discovered during a combined inspection of two containers conducted by agents from the NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and additional security organizations.

On Wednesday, a statement from the agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, indicated that the Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (ret.), was represented by the head of seaport operations at the agency, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, who referred to the confiscation as a significant success resulting from cooperation among different agencies.

"Following two significant operations conducted on June 15 and June 24, 2026, we convey a strong and unambiguous statement that our resolve to break down organized crime groups and drug smuggling rings inside and outside our territory has never been stronger," Marwa stated.

He revealed that the arrests came after several months of intelligence-driven operations conducted jointly by the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit and the Marine Intelligence Unit, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.

As he stated, global drug cartels utilized intricate sea routes to avoid detection by authorities, yet continuous monitoring allowed agents to follow the shipments through various countries prior to their seizure in Nigeria.

It’s important to clarify the movement of these shipments. The initial container, CAAU 7569127, left Toronto on April 16, 2026. To avoid scrutiny, it was transported via train to Montreal prior to being placed aboard the ship Ghallow Express*. It reached Tangier Med, Morocco, on May 6, 2026, then transferred to the Spartel Trader, which docked at Tin Can Island Port on May 27, 2026.

"It was then relocated to the Global Bonded Terminal and later transported by water to Apapa Port on June 10, 2026, where it was discovered during a collaborative inspection of the cargo involving our team, our counterparts from the Customs Service, and other law enforcement bodies," he stated.

Marwa mentioned that the second container, labeled HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on May 1 via the ship Africa Express and was later transferred to the Algeciras Express on May 15.

"It reached Tin Can Island Port and, after being unloaded on June 4, 2026, was transferred to Apapa Port on June 22, 2026, where it came under the control of our awaiting officials," he said.

The head of NDLEA emphasized that the organization will extend its efforts past seizing illegal drugs, focusing instead on disrupting the financial systems supporting drug trafficking activities.

We acknowledge that the enormous earnings from illegal drug trade still support atrocities against humanity and our country, even though these activities cause severe damage to people, their families, and society.

"Therefore, we stay determined. Our efforts do not conclude at seizing property. We are dedicated to locating, apprehending, and bringing to trial those involved, to taking away their illicit assets, and to making sure they gain absolutely nothing from their unlawful activities," he stated.

Marwa also commended the personnel from the NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other security organizations for their expertise and dedication.

I strongly praise the commitment, expertise, and bravery of the personnel from the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service, and all related security organizations who did not turn their heads but instead worked diligently to prevent these harmful materials from overwhelming our neighborhoods.

Your loyalty and steadfast dedication have once more demonstrated that you serve as capable protectors of our seaports.

"This achievement was enabled by the information exchange and coordinated efforts shown by all involved agencies. It serves as a strong example of what joint agency work, global partnership, and data-focused operations can accomplish in combating cross-border organized crime and illegal drug trade," he stated.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Violence Drops in June Amid High-Profile Attacks: New Report Reveals Trend

July 2, Pakistan – Although there were multiple prominent assaults, Pakistan saw a reduction in total anti-government violence and associated security events throughout June, as reported by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a research organization based in Islamabad.

As per PICSS—a research institute based in Islamabad that tracks terrorism, anti-government violence, and associated security developments—184 militants were eliminated during actions conducted by Pakistan’s security agencies, making up the biggest portion of the overall 262 deaths.

In contrast, 52 civilians and 26 members of the security forces died throughout the month.

The injury report indicated that 63 civilians, 50 members of security forces, 18 individuals from pro-government peace committees, and three militants sustained injuries.

In comparison to May, the number of casualties within Pakistani security personnel fell by 62 percent, whereas civilian losses decreased by 27 percent. The death toll from terrorists also saw a reduction of 32 percent.

Of those who were hurt, PICSS reported a 43% drop in injuries sustained by security personnel, a 57% fall among ordinary citizens, and a 67% decline involving militants.

PICSS reported a 50% decrease in abductions, with 27 individuals taken in June as opposed to 54 in May. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities detained at least 27 alleged extremists throughout the same period.

The count of terror incidents also decreased, dropping from 128 in May to 108 in June, which represents a decrease of approximately 16 percent.

Nevertheless, PICSS mentioned, the nation still encountered "high-impact assaults, comprising at least four suicide bombings."

Three instances involved car bombs used for suicide attacks, including an "important assault" aimed at the Sindh Rangers in Karachi on June 27, resulting in the death of three law enforcement officers.

In May, the nation experienced six suicide attacks, among them four instances involving vehicles used as bombs. When providing a provincial analysis for June, PICSS noted that Balochistan saw a "marked drop" in terrorist activities. The region reported 49 incidents in June, down from 71 in May, reflecting a 31% fall. Similarly, the tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, previously known as FATA, also showed a decrease, recording 17 attacks in June versus 22 in May, indicating a 23% reduction.

Nevertheless, the remainder of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced a "modest growth," according to PICSS, as the province reported 37 incidents in June versus 32 in May, marking a 16% increase. On June 9, six members of the Frontier Corps (FC) were killed and four others wounded when they responded to an effort by militants to seize a checkpoint in the Hassan Khel region of Peshawar, reports indicated. Eight insurgents were eliminated during countermeasures.

The think tank noted that Sindh also experienced a rise in terrorist activities, with four incidents documented in June as opposed to just one in May.

"Only one incident occurred in Punjab, whereas no violent attacks were recorded in Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, or Gilgit-Baltistan," stated PICSS.

The document also included data from the first half of 2026: 2,166 deaths, comprising 1,442 militants, 404 non-combatants, 307 military personnel, and 13 individuals from government-aligned ceasefire groups.

An additional 1,137 individuals sustained injuries throughout this time frame, comprising 692 civilians, 281 members of security forces, 136 militants, and 28 participants from the peace council.

IMO: 12 Suspects Arrested, 3 Victims Rescued in Kidnapping Operation

The Imo State Police Command has detained 12 individuals accused of multiple violations such as abduction, gang activities, homicide, and other serious criminal acts within the state.

A press release published in Owerri on Wednesday from the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, Okoye Henry, stated that the command's officers, under the leadership of ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, managed to save three individuals.

This initiative forms part of the commander's continuous initiatives aimed at addressing violent criminal activities via intelligence-driven law enforcement and successful cooperation with additional security organizations, community watch groups, and key partners.

Furthermore, the operation led to the retrieval of these objects: one AK-47 assault rifle, two homemade double-barreled firearms, four handmade handguns, two active ammunition rounds, a blue Toyota Highlander vehicle lacking a license plate, a grayish Mercedes-Benz GLK jeep bearing the registration number YAB 831 DQ, three Q-Link motorbikes, a Sumec power generation unit, and eight named brand beer bottles.

In addition, the Imo State Police Command has recovered another hostage and apprehended those responsible through a collaborative, intelligence-driven mission.

The PPRO stated that their operation for rescue and apprehension took place following the kidnap of five travelers from a local bus on Obokofia Road in Egbema and the later abducting of a youth in New Owerri on June 27th, 2026.

Okoye stated that based on reliable information, officers from the Command worked together with personnel from the Egbema Police Division to conduct an operation at a presumed kidnapping den located in Obokofia within the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. During this action, three abducted individuals were successfully freed without harm, and seven people believed to be part of the group were taken into custody. Additional members of the criminal network escaped the area and are now under investigation.

The individuals under suspicion are Eric John, known as "Yahoo Welder," from Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State, who resides in Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema LGA; Light Chukwuma (age 18); Obinna Osuamma (age 18); Sylvester Nnadike (age 60); Tochukwu Precious (age 22); Destiny Albert (age 22); and Caroline Oziomele (age 25), all hailing from Obokofia, within the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

PPRO revealed that among the items seized during the operation were an AK-47 assault rifle, two homemade double-barreled firearms, two locally manufactured handguns, a blue Toyota Highlander SUV lacking a license plate, a gray-colored Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle owned by one of the freed individuals, three Q-Link motorbikes, a Sumec power unit, and eight named brand cult hats.

He stated that the inquiry found that one of the recovered victims recognized one of the detained accused, Eric John, known as "Yahoo Welder," as part of the group involved in his kidnapping.

Okoye added that the inquiry showed the group had obtained N5 million from the victim's family and then requested another N50 million as a ransom prior to the individual being freed in a police operation.

A spokesperson for the command stated that during an intelligence-driven operation held on June 21st, 2026, officers from the Imo State Police Command detained five individuals believed to be part of the Senior Vikings Confraternity, referred to as SVC, who were engaged in cult-related actions in Okuku within the Owerri West Local Government Area.

The individuals under suspicion are Iwuagwu Innocent Chigozie (26), from Owu Amakohia in the Ikeduru Local Government Area; Okparaugo Kingsley (32), hailing from Ogbusisi, Umuguma, within the Owerri West Local Government Area; Uchenna Daniel Akagha (23), residing in Uborji, Okuku, part of the Owerri West Local Government Area; Nsubechi Ekezie (25), originating from Umuchiezie, Ahaizu Mbaise Local Government Area; and Nwaneri Chigemezue (28).

He stated that, during questioning, the accused individuals admitted to taking part in a cult ritual conducted on May 24th, 2026, in Umuome, Umuguma, within the Owerri West Local Government Area, where an unidentified individual was reportedly assaulted and killed.

He mentioned that following the information, agents went to the location and retrieved the decomposing corpse.

Okoye mentioned that additional operations conducted at the suspects' hiding places resulted in the retrieval of two homemade guns and two active bullets. A probe is currently underway to determine the dead person's identity and capture remaining members of the organization.

Police Commissioner, CP Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents of Imo State that the command continues to be dedicated to fighting criminal activities, enhancing cooperation with other security organizations, community-based watch groups, and citizens, as well as making sure that every perpetrator faces legal consequences.

He calls on locals to stay alert and notify the closest Police Station or use the Command’s urgent hotline number 0803 477 3600 about any unusual people or actions, since prompt and reliable details continue to be essential for safeguarding lives and assets throughout Imo State.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).