Operatives of the Zone 2 Command Nigeria Police Force have uncovered an alleged drug trafficking network in Lagos during a joint operation involving the Special Protection Unit (SPU) and divisional detectives, leading to the seizure of suspected illicit substances valued at about ₦7.8 billion.
The operation, carried out at an apartment within an estate in the Mende area of Maryland, Lagos, resulted in the arrest of several suspects, including the alleged kingpin, Eke Henry Ifeanyi, aged 41.
Police authorities said the operation followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering coordinated with technical support and guidance from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Jimoh.
Addressing journalists at the scene, AIG Jimoh disclosed that the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the SPU commander with ₦500 million to halt the operation and allow time for associates to move the consignment.
According to him, the bribe offer was immediately rejected and properly documented for further investigation.
The police said hundreds of bags of suspected “Canadian Loud” were recovered during the raid from the suspect’s residence.
AIG Jimoh noted that the operation demonstrated the importance of deploying specialised units alongside divisional police teams under the policing strategy introduced by the IGP.
He explained that the operation involved rapid containment measures to secure the perimeter, intelligence-led action based on months of surveillance, and strict professional conduct by officers involved.
Reacting to the operation, IGP Disu said the success of the raid validated the ongoing redeployment of personnel to divisions and specialised units across Lagos and Ogun states.
“Policing must be close to the people, and our specialized units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground. The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect,” the police chief stated.
He added that the Force would continue to reward integrity and enforce accountability among officers.
Police authorities said exhibits recovered during the operation have been documented and would be presented in court, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged network.
