The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a warning to the public, particularly those with relatives abroad, about a new scam involving individuals impersonating its officers.
According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, the scammers contact unsuspecting citizens, claiming that their relatives have been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, or another international airport in Nigeria for carrying illicit drugs upon arrival.
After causing panic among the family members, the scammers then demand large sums of money to facilitate the release of the detained individuals.
Babafemi stated, “We have thwarted a number of such bids in the past when the family members called the Agency’s official contacts for help or clarification.”
He also mentioned a specific incident where a Nigerian man based in the US was targeted, with the scammers circulating his photo along with an audio recording of a purported NDLEA officer negotiating a N5 million payment for his release.
“Our investigation has shown that the current incident is the work of scammers. No NDLEA officer is involved in the audio conversation, and the person whose photo is attached to the audio recording being circulated is not in our custody at MMIA or any of our Commands,” Babafemi clarified.
The NDLEA advised family members not to give in to the scammers’ demands and cautioned Nigerians to keep travel plans of their relatives abroad confidential to avoid exploitation by criminal elements.
Individuals facing similar challenges are encouraged to seek help or clarification through NDLEA’s official contact lines: +2347064670026 and +2348033326327.
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