In a significant crackdown on narcotics, the Bauchi State Police Command has transferred a suspected major drug dealer and a large consignment of seized substances to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Massive Haul in Ningi Raid
The operation unfolded on November 26, around 8:00 PM, when police officers from the Ningi Division acted on a tip-off from a vigilant member of the public. The intelligence pointed to suspicious sacks being offloaded at a shop owned by the suspect.
Led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Surajo Ibrahim Birnin Kudu, a swift raid was conducted. The operation resulted in the recovery of four bags filled with substances believed to be Diazepam (D5) and Tramadol tablets. The total weight of the confiscated drugs was approximately 161 kilogrammes.
Suspect Confesses to Widespread Supply Network
Following the initial seizure, further investigation by the police's Operation Restore Peace unit led to the arrest of the alleged dealer, identified as Mr. Ogbu Simon.
Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who presented the suspect at the Command Headquarters on Friday, revealed that the estimated street value of the narcotics is a staggering N12.2 million.
"The suspect confessed to being a dealer supplying drugs to various markets within and outside Ningi," CP Aliyu stated. He alleged that Simon's supply chain originated from Onitsha in Anambra State, with distribution channels reaching Ningi and surrounding areas.
Inter-Agency Collaboration for Prosecution
Emphasizing the command's zero-tolerance stance, CP Aliyu formally handed over the suspect and the exhibits to the NDLEA for deeper investigation and prosecution. He credited the success to robust partnerships with sister security agencies and intelligence-driven policing.
Receiving the suspect and the substances, the Deputy Commander of NDLEA in Bauchi, Usaini Umaru, praised the police for their swift action and cooperation.
Umaru highlighted the critical role of community support in combating drug trafficking. "NDLEA alone cannot do this job; there must be synergy... Until the communities help us to identify them, we cannot do much," he explained, assuring informants of confidentiality.
Both agencies pledged to sustain their collaborative efforts to stem the flow of illicit drugs in Bauchi State and the wider region.
