The Chief Security Supervisor of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and three others are currently being interrogated by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their alleged involvement in the exportation of 144kg of Ephedrine to Maputo, Mozambique.
The drugs which were concealed in noodle packs and packed in three brown cartons stuffed with cereals and hair products, were discovered by officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja.
According to a statement by the agency’s spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, one Victor Ahenje, a Load Controller at NAHCO linked to the conspiracy has been declared wanted.
Ofoyeju sais the suspects planned to smuggle the drugs through an Ethiopian airline flight but it was intercepted.
Quoting the NDLEA Commander incharge of Abuja airport, Hamisu Lawan, Ofoyeju said some officials at the cargo section were invited for questioning and four NAHCO workers was subsequently detained.
He said: “Those being interrogated in respect of the seized drugs include the Chief Security Supervisor, Audu Garba, two Security Officers, Nasiru Ibrahim and Haruna Abdullahi as well as a Driver, Adamu Dasura.
“Preliminary investigation suggests flagrant lapses on the part of NACHO security in charge of cargo. So far, they are cooperating with our team of investigators.”
Continuing, Ofoyeju said the agency’s Chairman, Muhammad Abdallah has called for proper vetting and re-vetting of airport workers to prevent acts of sabotage and compromise capable of undermining national security.
He said: “This is a suspected case of conspiracy involving workers within the airport community. The agency is investigating the level of involvement of the suspects under interrogation and anyone indicted shall be prosecuted.
“Any act of sabotage can cause untold damage to national security. We shall get to the root of this case. The agency is working very hard to promote peace and enhance the image of the country”.
He assured that efforts were ongoing to arrest Victor Ahenje who is at large. Ahenje hails from Benue State.
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