Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a suspected key supplier of illicit drugs to bandits in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The suspect, identified as Mohammed Sani, 33, widely known by the alias “Gamboli”, was apprehended on Thursday, December 11, in Anguwan Fadama, Kuta, after a three-week manhunt following a failed arrest attempt at his residence in Anguwan Makera.
According to Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy of the agency, the operation resulted from credible intelligence linking Gamboli to the supply of large quantities of illicit drugs used by bandits operating in parts of Niger State.
In late November, agency operatives raided his home and recovered 471.8 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, before he fled.
The statement said further that three weeks of sustained tracking ultimately led to his arrest.
The arrest comes amid heightened anti-narcotics enforcement across the country.
In recent days, NDLEA teams have also dismantled a clandestine codeine syrup-manufacturing facility in Abia State and seized significant quantities of psychoactive substances in Enugu, underscoring a broad, intelligence-led strategy to disrupt drug supply chains.
Officials say such operations are designed not only to apprehend traffickers but to reduce the flow of illegal drugs that fuel banditry and other security challenges, while also protecting vulnerable communities from addiction and social harm.
The agency continues to work with community stakeholders and security partners to strengthen early warning systems, expand public awareness campaigns on drug abuse, and enhance cross-border cooperation, efforts seen as critical to sustaining recent gains against drug syndicates.
By Olaolu Fawole, Volunteer Editor
