The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised alarm over a fraudulent scheme in which scammers impersonate senior officials to offer fake auctions of forfeited vehicles.
In a disclaimer issued Friday, July 3, 2026, the agency said criminal elements are using the names of top NDLEA officials, particularly that of the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to send fake private letters and messages promising cheap forfeited vehicles for sale.
“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam,” said Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja. “These fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money.”
The NDLEA clarified that no official has the mandate to privately offer, allocate, or sell forfeited vehicles or seized assets to individuals.
According to the agency, vehicles and other assets forfeited as proceeds of drug crimes are “strictly auctioned through public processes managed by appointed, government-registered auctioneers.” Any legitimate auction, it said, is widely publicized in national dailies and through the agency’s official channels, in line with legal and public procurement guidelines.
Babafemi urged members of the public to “discountenance, ignore, and report” any private letters, text messages, or social media offers claiming to originate from Barrister Shadrach Haruna or any other NDLEA official.
“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations,” the statement added. “Do not fall victim to these criminal elements.”
The agency advised anyone approached with such fraudulent offers to report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or via its official communication channels.
This warning comes amid a rise in impersonation scams targeting Nigerians with fake offers linked to government agencies and auctions.
