The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a warning to the public regarding a new fraudulent scheme orchestrated by impostors posing as its officers. According to the agency, the scam involves individuals receiving calls from fake NDLEA officials claiming that their relatives have been arrested at international airports in Nigeria, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, for smuggling illicit drugs.
Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy for NDLEA, revealed in a statement that the scammers instill panic in the victims by falsely alleging the arrest of their loved ones and then demand large sums of money to secure their release from custody.
Babafemi emphasized that the NDLEA has encountered similar attempts in the past and has successfully thwarted them when contacted by concerned family members seeking assistance or verification.
He further disclosed a recent incident where scammers circulated an audio recording purportedly featuring an NDLEA officer negotiating a payment of N5 million with a relative for the release of a Nigerian based in the US who was allegedly apprehended at the Lagos airport with contraband.
However, investigations by the NDLEA revealed that the audio conversation was fabricated, and the individual depicted in the photo accompanying the recording is not in the agency’s custody.
The NDLEA spokesperson urged families not to fall victim to these scams and advised them to refrain from disclosing travel plans of their relatives to avoid exploitation by criminals.
Individuals facing similar situations were encouraged to reach out to the NDLEA for assistance or clarification through designated contact lines provided by the agency.
