In a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a notorious drug dealer, Usman Abba, widely known as “Timaya,” in Katsina State.
Timaya, a long-standing figure on the NDLEA’s watchlist, was arrested on October 30th at Liberty Hotel in Kofar Kaura, where he was found with a large consignment of Arizona, a potent strain of cannabis.
The arrest marks a victory in the NDLEA’s extensive efforts to dismantle major drug networks operating across the country.
Timaya’s capture, facilitated by the Katsina State command, underscores the agency’s commitment to pursuing high-profile traffickers who perpetuate drug-related crime and addiction in Nigeria.
Known for his evasion tactics and ties to other drug syndicates, Timaya’s presence on NDLEA’s radar has made him one of the agency’s top targets.
NDLEA officials are hopeful that Timaya’s arrest will provide critical intelligence on larger syndicates involved in drug trafficking and distribution across northern Nigeria.
In a coordinated series of operations nationwide, the NDLEA also made other significant arrests in recent days.
In Adamawa, a suspect named Augustine Dike was apprehended on the same day with 50.3 grams of methamphetamine at Quarisa Hotel in Jimeta, while in Kogi State, another NDLEA operation intercepted 27.4 kilograms of cannabis concealed in a vehicle traveling from Lagos to Katsina.
As the NDLEA ramps up its efforts under Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa’s leadership, the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative continues to take strides in both enforcement and prevention.