By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has arrested two elderly men (both grandfathers) for alleged drug trafficking in Abia and Ekiti states, highlighting the widening demographic spread of illicit drug activities.
The suspects, identified as Pa John Ofiel (83) and Ogunjobi Samuel (78), were apprehended in separate intelligence-led operations. Ofiel was arrested in Aba, Abia State, where operatives recovered about 700 grams of cannabis (skunk) packaged in retail sachets.
In a similar operation in Ekiti State, Samuel was arrested at his residence in Ilupeju-Ekiti with approximately 350 grams of the same substance, reportedly linked to local drug distribution.
Authorities disclosed that the arrests were part of a broader nationwide crackdown targeting drug trafficking networks across multiple states.
The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, noted that intelligence gathering played a key role in tracking the suspects.
The development has sparked concern among analysts, who say the involvement of elderly individuals reflects both economic desperation and the deepening reach of Nigeria’s drug trade into unconventional demographics.
Ultimately, the arrests underscore a troubling reality—where the fight against drug trafficking is no longer confined to specific age groups, but increasingly cuts across generations, complicating enforcement and prevention efforts nationwide.
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