Operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a major drug trafficking syndicate in Lagos, seizing a massive haul of suspected illicit drugs valued at approximately ₦7.8 billion.
The high-stakes operation resulted in the arrest of several suspects, including the alleged kingpin, Eke Henry Ifeanyi.
The breakthrough followed months of intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering coordinated by the Zone 2 Headquarters.
The decisive crackdown occurred during a targeted raid on an apartment within a residential estate in Mende, Maryland, Lagos.
Executed by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) in collaboration with divisional police detectives, the operation uncovered hundreds of bags of suspected “Canadian Loud” stored in the prime suspect’s residence.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, briefed journalists at the scene, revealing that the breakthrough was achieved on May 19 through technical support and strategic guidance from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.
In a dramatic turn of events during the raid, the prime suspect reportedly attempted to compromise the mission by offering a staggering ₦500 million bribe to the SPU commander.
According to AIG Jimoh, the massive bribe was intended to force a stand-down, allowing the syndicate time to contact associates and relocate the multi-billion naira consignment.
However, the commander immediately rejected the offer and properly documented the incident, a move Jimoh hailed as a testament to the renewed professionalism and operational discipline being entrenched within the Force.
AIG Jimoh emphasized that the success of the raid underscored the power of intelligence-led policing, rapid containment strategies, and seamless synergy between specialized units and conventional divisional teams. By securing the perimeter swiftly, the combined forces prevented any escape or tampering with vital evidence.
Jimoh noted that the integrity displayed by the operatives during the bribery attempt sets a benchmark for all personnel currently redeployed at the divisional level.
Reacting to the development, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, highly commended the operatives, stating that the operation’s success validates the ongoing strategic redeployment of personnel across Lagos and Ogun states.
Disu stressed that policing must remain close to the grassroots and assured that the Force leadership will continue to reward integrity while holding officers to the highest ethical standards.
Police authorities confirmed that all recovered exhibits have been documented for court presentation, and suspects remain in custody as investigations expand to track down remaining network affiliates.
