Eke Henry Ifeanyi, a Nigerian drug kingpin has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police in Lagos after months of surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations.
The operation, carried out by officers of the Special Protection Unit in collaboration with divisional police detectives, also led to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs valued at about ₦7.8 billion.
The raid took place at an apartment located within an estate in Mende, Maryland, Lagos, where officers recovered hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud allegedly stored by the prime suspect.
Speaking with journalists on Saturday, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, said the suspect, Eke Henry Ifeanyi, was arrested on May 19 after weeks of strategic monitoring by operatives.
According to him, the operation was conducted with technical support and guidance from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, alongside coordinated efforts between the SPU and divisional police teams.
Jimoh disclosed that during the operation, the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the SPU commander with ₦500 million in a bid to compromise the mission and facilitate the movement of the drug consignment.
“The suspect offered ₦500 million to the SPU commander in an attempt to make the team stand down and allow him to contact his associates to move the consignment elsewhere. The offer was rejected immediately and properly documented for further investigation,” he said.
The AIG described the incident as evidence of renewed professionalism and operational discipline within the Force under the current policing strategy.
He noted that the operation highlighted the importance of collaboration between specialized police units and conventional divisional teams in tackling organized crime.
According to him, the success of the raid demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing, rapid containment strategies, and professional conduct among the officers involved.
“Rapid containment was achieved as the Special Protection Unit worked with divisional teams to secure the perimeter and prevent escape or interference with evidence.
“The operation was intelligence-driven, following months of surveillance and technical monitoring before the raid was carried out.
“The immediate rejection and documentation of the bribe attempt also reflect the standard expected from redeployed personnel at the divisional level,” Jimoh added.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism, stating that the operation validated the ongoing redeployment of personnel to divisions and units across Lagos and Ogun states.
“Policing must be close to the people, and our specialized units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground,” the IGP said.
“The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect. It shows that when you put your best foot forward at the grassroots, you get results and restore public trust.”
Disu also assured that the Force leadership would continue to reward integrity while ensuring officers are held accountable to the highest ethical standards.
Police authorities said the exhibits recovered during the operation had been properly documented and would be tendered in court, while investigations continue to track down other members of the drug trafficking network.
