Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command have uncovered a major drug trafficking operation in Lagos, recovering suspected illicit drugs valued at about ₦7.8 billion and arresting several suspects, including an alleged syndicate leader identified as Eke Henry Ifeanyi.
The operation followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering carried out by the Special Protection Unit (SPU) alongside divisional police detectives under the coordination of the Zone 2 Headquarters.
Police said the raid was conducted at an apartment inside a residential estate in Mende, Maryland, Lagos, where officers discovered hundreds of bags containing substances suspected to be Canadian Loud.
Speaking to journalists after the operation, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed that the prime suspect was arrested on May 19 after weeks of strategic monitoring.
According to the police, the operation received technical backing from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, as officers moved in to prevent the alleged syndicate from relocating the drug consignment.
Jimoh disclosed that during the operation, the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the commander of the Special Protection Unit with ₦500 million to compromise the mission.
“The suspect offered ₦500 million to the SPU commander in an attempt to make the team stand down and allow him to contact his associates to move the consignment elsewhere,” the AIG said.
“The offer was rejected immediately and properly documented for further investigation.”
Police authorities described the rejected bribe attempt as evidence of growing professionalism and discipline within the Force under the current policing strategy.
Jimoh stated that the operation highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and collaboration between specialized police units and divisional officers in tackling organised crime.
“Rapid containment was achieved as the Special Protection Unit worked with divisional teams to secure the perimeter and prevent escape or interference with evidence,” he explained.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also praised the officers involved, saying the operation justified ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots policing across Lagos and Ogun states.
“The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect,” the IGP stated.
Police confirmed that all recovered exhibits have been documented and will be presented in court as investigations continue into the wider drug trafficking network.
Authorities added that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected members connected to the operation.
