Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested  a 24-year-old Thai lady, Ms Pattaphi Wimonnat, for attempting to smuggle 43 parcels of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, weighing 46.60 kilograms into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

She was arrested on February 20 during the inward clearance of passengers on a Qatar Airways flight from Thailand via Doha, Qatar at the arrival hall, Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport.

During the operation, the illicit consignment was found in her boxes.

A statement on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the suspect confessed she was hired by a drug trafficker.

“She said the drug cartel, which recruited her, promised to pay her $3,000 upon successful delivery of the illicit drug consignment in Nigeria,” Babafemi added.

In a separate operation, Babafemi said another bid by a drug trafficking syndicate to ship 68 parcels of Ghanaian Loud with a total weight of 42.2kg concealed in walls of crated cartons to London, UK, through the export shed of the Lagos airport was also thwarted by NDLEA officers on February 21.

“Three suspects: a freight agent and two dispatch riders were initially arrested in connection with the seizure before the mastermind of the shipment, Samuel Bitris, was swiftly traced to his Exodus Estate, Ajah, Lagos home where he was arrested,” the statement added.

Babafemi also said at the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers state, NDLEA officers on February 20 intercepted 49 cartons containing 49,000 pills of Tamil, a brand of tramadol 225mg, in a 40ft container, during a joint examination of the shipment with men of Customs Service and other security agencies.

“In Nasarawa State, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 22nd February arrested two suspects: Bello Adamu, 40, and Pius Azuka, 42 at Kokona/Keffi with 517 kg of skunk, while two other suspects: Usman Ruwa, 43, and Yunusa Haruna, 45, were nabbed in a Toyota Corolla car conveying 62.7 kilograms of skunk along Sabon Asibiti road Kontagora, Niger state on Thursday 20th February,” the statement stated.

Customs agents operating at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos are protesting the alleged closure of their secretariat by the airport’s commandant, Chioma Udo.

The agents, who are members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, claimed that the closure of the secretariat on February 5 was obstructing their daily operations and causing them significant losses, including a loss of revenue by the federal government to the tune of almost N500 billion.

Speaking to TheNigerian Metro during separate interviews on Monday, the agents who acknowledged an internal crisis within the association noted that a court had restrained all parties with an order that the status quo should remain.

A member of Febak Olympic Global Services Limited, Olufemi Kayode, said the secretariat was however locked despite the order.

“We are using this medium to appeal to the commandant to open our secretariat. There is an internal crisis within the association and the MMAC executives had approached the court considering the security and sensitivity of the airport environment.  A court order therefore restrained all parties from taking action and that status quo should remain. But despite this, the commandant locked up the association’s secretariat despite this order,” Kayode disclosed.

Another agent, Makinde Aremu, of Marktouch Shipping Agencies Limited, said efforts made to appeal to the commandant proved abortive.

He added that the closure might lead to violence while calling for respect for the rule of law.

He said, “All efforts to make her see reasons not to adjudicate on this matter proved abortive. The association’s matter had lasted more than two years without a crisis, violence or breakdown of law and order.

“Locking up the association’s offices and secretariat may degenerate to violence that we have managed to avert to date because members’ patience is fast running out. For instance, we could not collate and moderate members registration for the ongoing FAAN registration and data capturing hence our outcry.”

The owner of Bestdestiny Express Logistics and Allied Services Limited, Nwokoma Ohuoba, lamented that the closure had grossly affected the operations of revenue generation to the Federal Government through customs.

He specifically noted that the customs airport operations had lost almost N500bn in revenue.

He said, “As the association is one the major stakeholders for the revenue generation by the Nigeria custom licensed agents, this has grossly affected the operations of revenue generation to the Federal Government through customs and also affected members welfare and revenue too.

“The Federal Government within this period through the customs airport revenue operations has lost almost N500bn worth of revenue and the association revenue is also in the red as a result of the locking up the secretariat.”

When TheNigerian Metro contacted Udo, she said the reopening of the secretariat was dependent on the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.

She said, “I hope they told you that the facility they are using belongs to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria. Did they also let you know that the resolution of reopening that place is dependent on the FAAN MD? If you want to get more reaction, come to my office.”

A health worker, Akinola Oyabiyi, was reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen near Akure Airport at Eleyowo in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

A member of Oyabiyi’s family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told newsmen on Friday that the 46-year-old health worker was shot dead by the gunmen while returning home on Tuesday evening.

She said, “The incident happened on Tuesday at about 8 pm when he was going home. The people attacked him. I think they were trying to kidnap him.

“He was shot in the belly and hr died shortly after. We learnt the bandits came out from the bush and shot him in his car.”

When contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident and said the command was on the matter.

She said, “We are on top of the matter, and will get back to you soon.”

The body of the deceased has been deposited at a hospital morgue.

The incident followed recent attacks in the same local government area, including the abduction of a farm manager and two industrial training students at Oke Oge in the Oba Ile community.

Five farm workers were also shot dead by suspected gunmen in the area.

The abductors of the farm manager were said to have contacted the family of the victim, demanding a sum of N15 million in ransom.

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The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Friday night, accompanied the state’s Christian pilgrims to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos, to bid them farewell to the Holy Land.

The governor’s senior special assistant on New Media disclosed this in a statement on Saturday morning.

LEADERSHIP reports that it has been a routine for Governor AbdulRazaq to pay courtesy visits to intending pilgrims and also accompany them to the airport as a way of identifying with them.

During his visit to the Lagos Airport on Friday, AbdulRazaq exchanged pleasantries with the pilgrims who took turns to commend his humility and giant strides across all sectors in the state.

He urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria at large while in the holy land.

“The governor’s visit, as always, drew applauses from the pilgrims, who, in turn, appreciated him and prayed for God’s guidance and mercies for him to continue to succeed in office,” the statement added.

The executive secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, noted that the governor has been supportive towards the success of programmes and activities of the Commission not just in Kwara State, but the nation at large.

The chairman of the Kwara State Christian Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Prof. Timothy Opoola, appreciated the governor for his benevolence and support towards achieving a hitch-free pilgrimage exercise.

He advised the intending pilgrims from the state to abide by the rules and regulations of the host countries and that of the pilgrimage activities.

The intending pilgrims from the state, who will be visiting Israel and Jordan, departed to Jordan at about 10:45pm on Friday night.

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Following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has intensified surveillance at the country’s points of entry, including airports.

The agency also advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to affected countries.

In a public health advisory issued by the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the agency emphasised that there are currently no reported cases of Ebola in Nigeria.

Idris said, “There are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria. However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and partners through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group, continues these efforts, including the update of our EVD emergency contingency plan, heightened surveillance especially at the points of entry, and optimising diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories in cities with international airports of entry and the National Reference Laboratory.

“In addition, all Lassa Fever testing laboratories can be activated to scale up testing if the need arises.”

In 2014, Nigeria experienced an Ebola outbreak, following the entry of an infected patients, Sawyer, from Liberia into the country.

Sawyer’s first contact, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, the Lead Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at First Consultants Medical Centre, Ikoyi, lost of her life but prevented the spread of the dreaded disease.

On January 30, 2025, Uganda confirmed an Ebola case caused by the Sudan virus species in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District.

 So far, only one case has been recorded, resulting in one fatality. Authorities are monitoring 44 identified contacts.

The NCDC noted that Uganda has significant experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks and has initiated necessary containment measures.

Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe and often fatal illness with a mortality rate ranging from 25% to 90%.

There are five distinct species of the virus: Bundibugyo, Zaire, Reston, Tai Forest, and Sudan. The Zaire strain is the deadliest and was responsible for the 2014–2016 West African outbreak, while the Sudan strain is behind the current outbreak in Uganda.

“The infection is transmitted from animals to humans, with human-to-human transmission occurring through direct contact with the body fluids (blood, saliva, vomit, urine, feces, sweat, breast milk, and semen of an infected person), contaminated objects, or infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, porcupines, and forest antelope,” the NCDC stated.

“The virus can also be transmitted through contact with wildlife and unsafe burial practices. The incubation period, i.e., from exposure to the development of signs and symptoms, ranges from 2-21 days. During an outbreak, those at risk of infection are health workers, family members, and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.”

“The initial symptoms of EVD include sudden onset of high fever, accompanied by other nonspecific signs and symptoms such as headache, body aches, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Jaundice (yellowing of the eye) may also occur. In severe cases, uncontrolled bleeding from orifices, dysfunction and/or failure of several body organs such as the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system may occur, progressing to shock and death.”

“In fatal cases, death often occurs between 8 and 9 days of the onset of symptoms.”

The NCDC has classified Nigeria’s risk level as moderate based on recent risk assessments and the recent Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda.

“A moderate risk classification indicates that EVD, without mitigation, is likely to occur in Nigeria, with the potential for significant public health consequences. So, we need to take the necessary precautions,” the NCDC warned.

Although vaccines and therapeutics exist for some Ebola strains, the approved vaccine for the Zaire strain is not currently available in Nigeria and does not protect against the Sudan virus.

However, early detection, isolation, supportive treatment, infection prevention measures, contact tracing, and safe burial practices significantly reduce transmission and fatalities.

“Nigerians are therefore urged to adhere strictly to preventive measures such as practicing good hand hygiene – Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water or use hand sanitisers when soap and water are not readily available,” the NCDC advised.

“Nigerians are also advised to avoid physical contact with anyone who has symptoms of an infection with an unknown diagnosis. Avoid the consumption of bush meat, particularly bats and non-human primates, which are known reservoirs of the Ebola virus. And if you have to, ensure that such is properly prepared and cooked before consumption.”

“Avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases. If you or someone you know (with a travel history to any country with Ebola cases) experiences symptoms of EVD enumerated above, call 6232 or your State Ministry of Health hotline for guidance.”

The NCDC urged healthcare workers to maintain heightened vigilance, ensure strict patient isolation, adhere to infection prevention protocols, and use appropriate protective equipment when managing suspected cases.

“In the management of a suspected or confirmed case of EVD: Ensure strict isolation of the patient. Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment like face masks, hand gloves, and appropriate gowns,” the advisory stated.

The NCDC pledged to continue strengthening nationwide surveillance, particularly at borders and airports, while keeping healthcare workers alert for potential cases.

The agency is also enhancing laboratory capacities for rapid testing and maintaining coordination with the World Health Organisation and the African Regional Health Authorities to monitor developments.

Although the WHO has not recommended travel restrictions to Uganda, the NCDC reiterated its advice for Nigerians to avoid all but essential travel to Ebola-affected countries.

“For those already in Nigeria but with recent travel history to or transit through countries with Ebola cases in the last 21 days who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising, they should adhere to the following guidelines: Promptly call 6232 or State Ministry of Health hotlines for assessment and testing, shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems (public or private) until health authorities reach out. Await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a designated treatment center if required.”

For further information and emergency assistance, call the NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free line: 6232.

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) on Tuesday said it intercepted contrabands valued at N10.51 billion.

The seized items include 225 pieces of drones, 250 pieces of turtles, 1 package of pangolin skin, 21 packages of 225mg Tramadol Hydrochloride, 50 round of 9mm live ammunition and 54 packages of military hardware.

Customs Area Controller of the Command, Compt. Micheal Awe also disclosed that the command generated N180.75 billion from cargoes imported into the country through the airport in 2024.

Awe listed other contraband seized as 46 packages of dried sea cucumber, 3 packages of dried donkey male genitals, 55 pieces of Jojef Tomahawk semi-automatic rifle, 50 packages of dried Canadian Cannabis and 1 package of porcupine, thorns, and mineral stones.

“The command achieved a significant milestone in revenue generation to the tune of N180.75 billion in 2024 as against N90.42 billion that was generated in 2023, representing a 99.89% increase.

“The revenue target for the year 2024 was N179.74 billion, while the command generated a total revenue of N180.7 billion, which shows an increase of N1.01 billion, representing a 0.56% increase for the entire year. This feat demonstrates our commitment to excellence and our constant dedication to enforcing government fiscal policies,” Awe said.

Speaking on the seized items, Awe added that they have a cumulative Duty-Paid Value (DPV) of N10.51billion.

He added that the seizures are testament to the Command’s keen commitment to enforcing Customs laws and regulations.

The Commandant further mentioned that the command maintained an open-door policy, engaging with stakeholders, sister agencies, and the media to resolve issues of common interest.

According to him, the synergy has been instrumental in the Command’s success, while appreciating the support and cooperation received from stakeholders.

Moving forward, he maintained that the command will continue to innovate, strategise and block loopholes towards meeting its revenue targets and facilitating trade.

He added that the Command will also be unrelenting in enforcing Customs laws and regulations while also upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted a consignment of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, concealed in a duvet, packaged for export to the United Kingdom at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

A statement on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said six parcels of the psychoactive substance with a gross weight of 3.50 kilograms were concealed inside the duvet.

“In his statement, Austin Balogun, who is the main agent who hired Sunday Adakole, claimed he was paid N700,000 to cargo the consignment to the UK but spent a fraction of the money on export handling charges and the bulk to pay for an apartment,” Babafemi added.

In another operation, Babafemi said two suspects, identified as Joseph Adewale and Biodun Adelakun, were arrested at Igbo Olumo, Ikorodu area of Lagos, when the NDLEA operatives raided their hideout.

Babafemi stated that seven litres of skuchies, a new psychoactive substance produced with black currant, cannabis and opioids, were recovered.

“Other exhibits seized from the duo include: three locally made double-barrelled rifles; one locally made double-barrelled pistol; one English-made pistol; one locally made single-barrelled rifle; three cartridges and one empty 9mm cartridge as well as an iron-head axe.

“Another raid in Lagos on Sunday, January 19, led to the seizure of 47kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, and 25.46kg Nitrous Oxide popularly known as laughing gas at the notorious Akala area of Mushin,” Babafemi added.

In Ekiti State, Babafemi said a 26-year-old suspect, Adepoju Taiwo, was arrested by the NDLEA officers on Thursday, January 23, with 1.950kg Canadian Loud at Iworoko Road, Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, while Auwal Sani was nabbed by operatives on Monday, January 20, at Bode Saadu in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State. A total of 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 36.56kg were recovered from him.

“A Nigerien, Abubakar Lami, 45, with two others: Abba Sani, 35, and Auwal Aliyu, 32, were arrested by the NDLEA operatives at Gadar Tamburawa, Kano, while 13.1kg skunk and 125 litres of ‘suck and die’, a new psychoactive substance were recovered from them. In Gefen Kasa, Dawakin Kudu council area of Kano State, a cannabis plantation was located and destroyed by a team of the NDLEA officers who arrested a suspect, Sabo Ali Muhammad, 45, linked to the farm,” the statement added.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted a shipment of cannabis, also known as “Loud” concealed in a duvet and destined for the United Kingdom.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the consignment was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday.

The statement revealed that two suspects-Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun, linked to the consignment were immediately arrested following the discovery by NDLEA officers.

“Six parcels of the psychoactive substance with a gross weight of 3.50 kilograms were concealed inside the duvet,” the statement partly read.

“In his statement, Austin Balogun who is the main agent who hired Adakole, claimed he was paid N700,000 to cargo the consignment to the UK but spent a fraction of the money on export handling charges and the bulk to pay for an apartment,” the statement added.

Babafemi added that a raid in the Ikorodu area of Lagos led to the discovery of a hideout where “skuchies” and weapons were recovered.

He wrote, “At least, two suspects-Joseph Oluwasegun Adewale and Biodun Adelakun-were arrested at Igbo Olomu, Ikorodu area of Lagos when NDLEA operatives raided their hideout in the community where seven litres of skuchies, a new psychoactive substance produced with black currant, cannabis and opioids, were recovered.

“Other exhibits seized from the duo include: three locally-made double barrel riffles; one locally-made double barrel pistol; one English made pistol; one locally-made single barrel rifle; three cartridges and one empty 9mm cartridge as well as an iron – head axe.”

Meanwhile, another raid in the Akala area of Mushin in Lagos on January 19, reportedly led to the seizure of 47kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, and 25.46kg Nitrous Oxide popularly known as laughing gas.

The operations reportedly extended beyond Lagos, as a 26-year-old suspect, Adepoju Taiwo, was caught and arrested on January 23 in Ekiti State with 1.950kg of Canadian Loud, while Auwal Sani was nabbed on January 20 in the Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State when 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 36.56kg were seized from him.

The statement added, “A Nigerien, Abubakar Lami, 45, with two others: Abba Sani, 35, and Auwal Aliyu, 32, were arrested by NDLEA operatives at Gadar Tamburawa, Kano, while 13.1kg skunk and 125 litres of ‘suck and die’, a new psychoactive substance, was recovered from them.

“In Gefen Kasa, Dawakin Kudu council area of Kano State, a cannabis plantation was located and destroyed by a team of NDLEA officers who arrested a suspect, Sabo Ali Muhammad, 45, linked to the farm.”

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd.) reportedly commended the officers involved in the operations and emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and promoting drug abuse prevention.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport witnessed a grim discovery on Monday night when two human bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft.

The shocking revelation came during a routine post-flight maintenance check following the arrival of JetBlue Flight 1801, the airline confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

The flight, which departed John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York at 7:49 p.m., landed in Fort Lauderdale at 11:10 p.m., according to flight tracking data. Paramedics pronounced the two individuals dead at the scene, as reported by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Details regarding how and when the individuals entered the landing gear compartment remained unclear.

JetBlue expressed its sorrow over the incident. “This is a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to working closely with authorities to support their efforts to understand how this occurred,” the airline said in its statement.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, responsible for managing JFK Airport, was yet to respond to questions regarding security lapses that may have allowed access to the aircraft.

Landing gear compartments, located under an aircraft’s wings or at the nose, have historically been used by individuals attempting to stow away on flights. However, such attempts often result in tragedy due to the perilous conditions within the compartments. These areas expose stowaways to extreme temperatures, oxygen deprivation, and immense pressure changes during flights.

The risks are severe: stowaways can be crushed by retracting landing gear or fall to their deaths if the compartment doors open mid-flight. Hypothermia is a common cause of death for those who endure the extreme cold at high altitudes.

Similar incidents have occurred in recent months. On Christmas Day, a body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight traveling from Chicago to Hawaii. In another case in 2023, a man survived a flight from Algeria to France despite suffering severe hypothermia.

An investigation was underway to identify the two individuals found on the JetBlue flight and uncover how they accessed the aircraft in New York.