By Uzair Adam Imam
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is alerting the public, particularly those with loved ones abroad, to a new scam that targets innocent families.
Fraudsters are impersonating NDLEA officers and contacting unsuspecting citizens with a fabricated story.
As described by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, “Under this new scam scheme, the fraudsters will call unsuspecting citizens to inform them of the arrest of their relatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja Lagos or any other international airport in Nigeria with illicit drugs upon arrival in the country.”
Babafemi continued, explaining the scammers’ tactics, “After throwing the family members into panic, the scammers then make a demand of millions of naira to facilitate the release of such persons from NDLEA custody.”
The NDLEA has successfully thwarted similar attempts in the past. Babafemi highlighted, “At the moment, there is one of such scenario the Agency has just investigated.
“In this case, the picture of a Nigerian man based in the US is being circulated with an audio of a purported NDLEA officer negotiating the payment of N5 million with a female relative for the release of the US-based Nigerian man purportedly arrested at the Lagos airport on Friday 22nd March upon his arrival with a ‘contraband.”
The NDLEA emphasizes that these claims are entirely fabricated. “Just like in previous instances, our investigation has also shown that the current incident is the work of scammers,” affirmed Babafemi.
He reiterated, “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 either as at yesterday or any other day.”
The NDLEA urges the public to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to these scams. “The family members involved in this case are advised not to part with their hard-earned money to scammers,” advised Babafemi.
“Nigerians with loved ones abroad are also urged to keep discussions on travel plans of their relatives to themselves to avoid the hijack of such by criminal elements for devious schemes.”
If you encounter a similar situation, the NDLEA provides contact lines for assistance: “+2347064670026 and +2348033326327.”