Abuja Drug Crackdown: NDLEA Dismantles Major Bunks, Arrests 132, Seizes 220kg Illicit Drugs

In a significant stride against the pervasive issue of illicit drug trade, Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has executed a highly coordinated and successful two-week offensive across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This sweeping crackdown has led to the dismantling of multiple drug distribution networks, the arrest of 132 suspects, and the recovery of over 220 kilograms of dangerous narcotics.

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Our Q1 2026 results mark a defining shift in the quality and composition of our earnings, with strong underlying performance across our core banking operations and increasing contribution from our ecosystem businesses.

The operation, spearheaded by the NDLEA's Directorate of Operations and General Investigation in collaboration with the FCT Strategic Command, targeted notorious drug hotspots. These included areas like Torabora Hills, Gwarinpa, and Kubwa, where heavily fortified drug joints were uncovered and dismantled. The agency's spokesman, Femi Babafemi, highlighted that the success was built upon weeks of meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance, aimed at disrupting the supply chains fueling substance abuse and associated criminality.

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Building on the momentum from prior periods, we delivered solid growth across our core income lines, supported by disciplined execution and a well-diversified, strong, and healthy balance sheet.

The seized substances comprise a significant cache of skunk (214.79 kg), alongside other controlled and hard drugs such as cocaine, tramadol, methamphetamine, and codeine syrup. Authorities have linked these substances to rising cases of addiction and violent crime within the nation's capital. Despite encountering resistance in some areas, NDLEA operatives maintained professionalism and tactical superiority, neutralizing threats without casualties.

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Our focus remains on driving sustainable earnings by deepening customer relationships, rapidly scaling our ecosystem businesses, and deploying technology to deliver simpler, faster, and more intuitive financial solutions.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), lauded the operatives' discipline and professionalism, describing the operation as a "decisive step toward reclaiming Abuja from the grip of drug syndicates." He has mandated the immediate replication of this successful strategy in other high-risk urban centers, signaling a nationwide intensification of the war against illicit drugs. This offensive underscores the government's commitment to tackling Nigeria's deepening drug problem, recognizing its detrimental impact on public health and national security.

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We see significant headroom across payments, wealth management, and banking, both in Nigeria and across our West and East African markets, and we are deliberately positioning the Group to capture these opportunities while sustaining strong, long-term value creation.