By Our Reporter

The deadly terror drug, captagon, has been intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Kwara State.

The seizure is coming five years after the first captagon, also known as amphetamine substance in Africa, was seized.

Captagon, a tiny, highly addictive pill, widely available across the Middle East, produces a euphoric intensity in users, allowing them to stay awake for days, making them fearless and predisposing users to reckless action that puts the lives of people around them in danger.

Its production and sale are controlled by militias and large criminal groups linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) as a means of generating funds for weapons and combatants, and for use as a stimulant to keep them fighting.

NDLEA’s spokesperson Femi Babafemi said the latest seizure of captagon, which street value costs as much as $25 a pill, was made on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 when NDLEA operatives on patrol along Bode Saadu road, Kwara State intercepted a trailer conveying passengers.

“A search conducted on one of the passengers, 33-year-old Nasiru Mu’azu led to the recovery of 10 packs of captagon consisting of 10,000 pills and nine packets of Tapentadol 250mg” he said.

In another interdiction operation at the Bode Saadu patrol point, NDLEA officers on Friday, April 24, intercepted a trailer marked RMY-70XA. A search of the truck led to the recovery of 155,900 capsules of tramadol; 6,000 ampuoles of tramadol injection; 3,000 tablets of Co- Codamol and 9,000 tablets of Bromazepam, concealed in a false compartment constructed under the trailer.

A 24-year-old suspect Aminu Isah has been taken into custody in connection with the seizure.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Oyo State on Tuesday, April 21, intercepted a commercial bus with registration number MNA 963 ZY, at Akinyele along Ibadan/Oyo expressway, while en route Sokoto. A 33-year-old passenger Eze Prince Emeka was brought down from the vehicle and taken for body scan, which result confirmed ingestion of illicit drug.

The suspect who claims to be a businessman in Sokoto was subsequently placed under close excretion observation during which he excreted a total of 45 pellets of cocaine with a total weight of 1.043 kilograms in three excretions.

The decision to travel by road to Sokoto with the illicit drug in his stomach was to evade detection by NDLEA at the airport while further investigation revealed that upon arrival in Sokoto, the suspect was to excrete the pellets, rest for a few days, and subsequently re-ingest the substances to continue the journey through the trans-Saharan routes, with Algeria as a transit point and possible final destination in Europe.

Gunmen have abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor following an attack on an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.

We gathered that the incident, which occurred late Sunday, targeted a facility identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools.

On Monday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the development saying security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils.

The commissioner however disclosed that the school was not approved by the government and was operating outside its regulatory oversight.

“The facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the State Government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.”.

He asserted ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining eight victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

“The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the Police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” he added.

Fanwo warned against operating schools and orphanages in isolated areas without proper authorisation, describing such practices as dangerous.

“While the Government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims, it is important to stress that the operation of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated and vulnerable locations, without proper registration and notification to relevant authorities, poses serious security risks, especially in the current security climate.”

The commissioner further urged operators to comply with safety regulations.

“The Government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols.”

“All operators of such facilities are advised to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.”

He added that security agencies are working to bring the situation under control, noting that updates will be provided as operations continue.

Dear Prof. Eugene Aliegba

The Editor-in-chief and Publisher, staff of Press Icon Newspaper, Abuja, extend our heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of your beloved mother, Mama Uvernyi Sarah Aliegba.

The loss of a mother leaves a void that words cannot fill. We share in your grief at this difficult moment and pray that you and your family find comfort in the cherished memories she left behind, and in the legacy of love, discipline, and strength she instilled in you.

May the Almighty God grant her soul eternal rest and grant you, and the entire Aliegba family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Be assured of our sincere sympathy and prayers.

Wata Tachia, PhD
Press Icon Newspaper, Abuja.