The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alerted Nigerians to a fraudulent scheme involving individuals impersonating senior officials of the agency to defraud members of the public through fake offers of forfeited vehicles.
In a disclaimer issued on Friday, the agency said scammers are circulating forged letters and messages in the name of its Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, claiming that seized vehicles are available for sale at discounted auction prices.
This is contained in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The NDLEA described the scheme as entirely fake, warning that it is designed to deceive unsuspecting victims and obtain money under false pretences.
It clarified that no official of the agency is authorised to privately sell, allocate or offer forfeited assets to individuals under any circumstances.
According to the agency, all seized assets are disposed of strictly through publicly advertised auctions conducted by approved government auctioneers in line with established legal and procurement procedures.
The NDLEA added that such auctions are always announced publicly through national newspapers and its official communication platforms to ensure transparency and equal access for interested buyers.
It therefore urged members of the public to ignore any private messages, letters, emails or social media posts purporting to offer forfeited vehicles on behalf of any NDLEA official.
The agency also advised Nigerians to report any suspicious approaches to the nearest NDLEA office or through its official channels for appropriate action.
NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, due process and accountability in the disposal of forfeited assets, while warning Nigerians to remain vigilant against fraudsters exploiting its name.
