Nigeria's NDLEA flags vehicle auction scams, online drug sale surge

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) warned that fraudulent offers advertising seized vehicles for private sale are completely false, stressing that "no NDLEA official has the authority to privately sell or allocate forfeited vehicles." The agency said only transparent public auctions conducted by approved auctioneers are legitimate, and it urged the public to report any such fake messages that impersonate officials such as Secretary Shadrach Haruna.

In Osun State, the NDLEA reported a sharp increase in illicit drug sales targeting youths through online vendors. Between June 2025 and June 2026 the agency seized more than 13 t of cannabis and cocaine, made 573 arrests, secured 49 convictions and provided counseling, rehabilitation and community sensitisation, warning that "drug abuse remains a challenge for Osun youths, with new threats from NPS & online drug sales."