The Police have arrested seven suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations that led to the interception of 1,696 compressed parcels of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs, the Public Affairs Unit of the Oti Regional Police Command has announced.
In the first operation, a police patrol team stopped a Hyundai Atos cab on the Lekanti-Kute route with registration number VR 188-16 at approximately 11:15 p.m. on February 13, 2026. When the car was searched, 48 compressed packets of what seemed to be Indian hemp were found inside. Felix Emulator, 37, and the driver, Emmanuel Yao, 40, were both immediately taken into custody.
Police responded to information that compressed amounts of dried leaves thought to be drugs had been packaged in Tsikata, an Ahamansu neighbourhood, for smuggling to a bordering country. Hours later, on February 14, 2026, at approximately 12:45 a.m.
Following a search at the targeted residence, 166 compressed packages wrapped in yellow masking tape were found hidden inside three bags and three sacks. Despite denying knowledge of the chemicals during the first interrogation, three suspects were taken into custody at the site. Korsi Akpavi, another suspect, escaped and is now on the loose. In the third operation, on 15th February 2026, the police carried out an intelligence-led operation after days of surveillance, intercepting a Benz Cargo Truck with registration number GS 3831-09 at Bodada. The vehicle, which appeared empty at first glance, was driven by suspect Amrado Justice Nelson, 50, with suspect Onaneye Yussif, 25, onboard.
In the third operation, on 15th February 2026, the police carried out an intelligence-led operation after days of surveillance, intercepting a Benz Cargo Truck with registration number GS 3831-09 at Bodada. The vehicle, which appeared empty at first glance, was driven by suspect Amrado Justice Nelson, 50, with suspect Onaneye Yussif, 25, onboard. All seven suspects are currently in Police custody, assisting with investigations. The exhibits have been retained, and the vehicles involved have been impounded.
The head of the Oti Region’s Public Affairs Unit, Deputy Superintendent of Police John Nchor, acknowledged that attempts are being made to capture the fugitive. He reiterated the Police commitment to combating drug trafficking and urged the public to continue volunteering information to support crime prevention and detection.
