Abducted retired NDLEA officer regains freedom in Benue

A retired officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Benue State who was abducted by a drug cartel has regained his freedom.

Our correspondent in Makurdi confirmed on Monday that the kidnapped NDLEA retiree was released by his captors a day after he was taken away.

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Daily Trust earlier reported that a drug cartel had abducted a retired NDLEA officer after officers arrested a 19-year-old female drug dealer, Mngunengen Achir, in Alaide area of the state.

Achir was arrested with 5.5kg cannabis and 112grams of diazepam on October 6 in Aliade area of the state.

The cartel had demanded the release of the female drug dealer in exchange for their captive but the agency, it was learnt, did not bow to the pressure.

An insider of the agency told our correspondent that the abducted man was later released but not in exchange for the cartel’s demand.

“The suspect is still in custody,” the source not authorised to speak said.

When contacted, both the commander, Florence Ezeonye and spokesman, Philemon Saror of the NDLEA in Benue, did not respond to calls or messages put through their telephones.