A major drug trafficking syndicate operating in Lagos has been uncovered by operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs worth about ₦7.8 billion and the arrest of several suspects, including an alleged kingpin identified as Eke Henry Ifeanyi.
The operation was carried out by officers of the Special Protection Unit in collaboration with divisional detectives after months of surveillance and intelligence gathering coordinated by the Zone 2 Headquarters.
Police operatives stormed an apartment located inside an estate in the Mende area of Maryland, Lagos, where they recovered hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud allegedly hidden in the residence linked to the prime suspect.
Speaking during a briefing on Saturday, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed that the suspect was arrested on May 19 after weeks of monitoring and tactical operations by the police.
Jimoh said the raid was executed with support from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, alongside coordinated efforts between the SPU and divisional police teams.
According to the AIG, the suspect allegedly tried to frustrate the operation by offering a ₦500 million bribe to the SPU commander so the officers would allow the drug consignment to be moved.
He said: “The suspect offered ₦500 million to the SPU commander in an attempt to make the team stand down and allow him to contact his associates to move the consignment elsewhere. The offer was rejected immediately and properly documented for further investigation.”
Jimoh noted that the development showed the level of discipline and professionalism currently being promoted within the Force.
He explained that the success of the operation also highlighted the importance of intelligence-led policing and collaboration between specialized police units and divisional teams in tackling organized crime.
According to him: “Rapid containment was achieved as the Special Protection Unit worked with divisional teams to secure the perimeter and prevent escape or interference with evidence.
“The operation was intelligence-driven, following months of surveillance and technical monitoring before the raid was carried out.
“The immediate rejection and documentation of the bribe attempt also reflect the standard expected from redeployed personnel at the divisional level,” Jimoh added.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their conduct and professionalism during the operation.
The IGP said: “Policing must be close to the people, and our specialized units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground.
“The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect. It shows that when you put your best foot forward at the grassroots, you get results and restore public trust.”
Disu assured that the police leadership would continue to reward integrity and ensure officers maintain high ethical standards.
Police authorities said the recovered exhibits had been documented and would be presented in court, while investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate.