Law enforcement turns down massive ₦500m payoff, confiscates alleged Canadian Loud with estimated value of ₦7.8bn

Operatives from the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, uncovering a major syndicate in Lagos and seizing suspected illicit drugs valued at ₦7.8 billion, while also apprehending several suspects, including the alleged kingpin, Eke Henry Ifeanyi.

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The operation was conducted by officers from the Special Protection Unit in collaboration with divisional police detectives, following months of meticulous surveillance and intelligence gathering coordinated by the Zone 2 Headquarters, which ultimately led to the successful raid.

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The raid took place in an apartment within an estate in Mende, Maryland, Lagos, resulting in the recovery of hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud, allegedly stored in the residence of the prime suspect, Eke Henry Ifeanyi.

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According to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, the suspect was apprehended on May 19 after weeks of strategic monitoring by operatives, with the operation receiving technical support and guidance from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.

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AIG Olohundare Jimoh revealed that during the operation, the suspect attempted to bribe the SPU commander with ₦500 million to compromise the mission and allow the movement of the drug consignment, but the offer was rejected immediately and properly documented for further investigation.

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The suspect's attempt to bribe the SPU commander with ₦500 million was a desperate move to evade capture, but it was thwarted by the operatives' professionalism and commitment to upholding the law.

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AIG Jimoh described the operation as a reflection of the renewed professionalism and operational discipline being entrenched in the Force under the current policing strategy, which emphasizes the importance of deploying specialized police units alongside conventional divisional teams in tackling organized crime.

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The success of the operation underscored the effectiveness of rapid containment strategies, intelligence-led policing, and professional conduct among the operatives involved in the raid, according to AIG Jimoh, who highlighted the significance of this approach in combating crime.

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Rapid containment was achieved as the Special Protection Unit worked with divisional teams to secure the perimeter and prevent escape or interference with evidence, demonstrating the effectiveness of this strategy in real-time operations.

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The operation was intelligence-driven, following months of surveillance and technical monitoring before the raid was carried out, showcasing the importance of careful planning and coordination in law enforcement operations.

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The immediate rejection and documentation of the bribe attempt also reflect the standard expected from redeployed personnel at the divisional level, according to AIG Jimoh, who praised the operatives for their professionalism and integrity.

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Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism, saying the success of the operation validated the ongoing redeployment of personnel to divisions and units across Lagos and Ogun states.

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IGP Olatunji Disu emphasized that policing must be close to the people, and that specialized units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground to achieve effective law enforcement, highlighting the importance of grassroots policing.

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The IGP noted that the professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard expected from all operatives, and that it demonstrates the effectiveness of the current policing strategy in promoting integrity and accountability.

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Disu further assured that the Force leadership would continue to reward integrity while holding officers accountable to the highest ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and maintaining public trust.

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Police authorities said exhibits recovered during the operation have been properly documented and will be tendered in court, while the suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to track down other members of the drug trafficking network.