Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command have dismantled a suspected drug trafficking network in Lagos, recovering illicit substances estimated at ₦7.8 billion and arresting several suspects, including an alleged kingpin identified as Eke Henry Ifeanyi.
The operation was carried out by officers of the Special Protection Unit in collaboration with divisional police detectives after months of surveillance and intelligence gathering coordinated by the Zone 2 Headquarters.
Police authorities said the raid was conducted at an apartment located in an estate in the Mende area of Maryland, Lagos, where hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud were allegedly stored.
Speaking with journalists at the scene on Saturday, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed that the prime suspect was arrested on May 19 following weeks of monitoring by security operatives.
According to him, the operation was executed with support from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, alongside coordinated efforts between the SPU and divisional police teams.
Jimoh further alleged that the suspect attempted to compromise the operation by offering a ₦500 million bribe to the commander of the Special Protection Unit.
“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 offer was rejected immediately and properly documented for further investigation,” he said.
The AIG described the incident as evidence of growing professionalism and discipline within the Force, noting that the operation highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and collaboration between specialised units and conventional police divisions.
According to him, the operation successfully prevented the movement of the drug consignment through rapid response and coordinated containment measures.
“Rapid containment was achieved as the Special Protection Unit worked with divisional teams to secure the perimeter and prevent escape or interference with evidence,” Jimoh stated.
“The operation was intelligence-driven, following months of surveillance and technical monitoring before the raid was carried out.
“The immediate rejection and documentation of the bribe attempt also reflect the standard expected from redeployed personnel at the divisional level,” he added.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police commended the operatives involved in the raid for their conduct and professionalism.
“Policing must be close to the people, and our specialized units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground,” Disu said.
“The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect. It shows that when you put your best foot forward at the grassroots, you get results and restore public trust.”
The police boss also assured that integrity and accountability would continue to be rewarded within the Force.
Police authorities said all exhibits recovered during the operation had been documented and would be presented in court, while investigations continue to identify and arrest other members of the alleged drug trafficking syndicate.