Public Alert: NDLEA Warns Against Fraudsters Impersonating Officer

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a warning to the public regarding fraudulent activities perpetrated by impostors posing as NDLEA officers. In a statement released on Saturday by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant against such scams.
The statement reveals that fraudsters have been contacting unsuspecting citizens, falsely claiming that their relatives have been arrested at international airports in Nigeria, particularly the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, for drug-related offenses. These scammers instill panic in the victims before demanding large sums of money to secure the release of their purportedly detained relatives.
Babafemi disclosed that the NDLEA has intercepted several of these fraudulent attempts in the past, often when concerned family members reach out to the agency for assistance or clarification. He cited a recent incident where scammers circulated a photo of a Nigerian man based in the US, along with an audio recording of a purported NDLEA officer negotiating a ransom of N5 million for the release of the detained individual.
The NDLEA spokesman emphasized that investigations revealed no involvement of any NDLEA officer in the audio conversation, and the individual depicted in the circulated photo is not in NDLEA custody at the MMIA or any other command.
He cautioned families involved in such cases against falling victim to these scams and advised them not to part with their money. Additionally, Babafemi urged Nigerians with relatives abroad to refrain from discussing their travel plans openly to prevent exploitation by criminal elements.
For individuals facing similar challenges or seeking clarification, the NDLEA provided contact lines: +2347064670026 and +2348033326327, encouraging them to reach out for assistance. This alert serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant and cautious of fraudulent schemes aimed at exploiting vulnerable individuals.