In a series of intelligence-led operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted significant consignments of cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, and other narcotics bound for the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, and Qatar through Lagos and Abuja airports. Several arrests of drug traffickers were made, alongside the confiscation of illicit substances across multiple states in Nigeria.
Major seizures at airports
- Cocaine to the UK: On November 5, NDLEA operatives at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport intercepted 4.40kg of cocaine concealed in 13 parcels destined for the UK via Frankfurt. The consignment’s mastermind, Ekeocha Anayo Nelson, was arrested on November 8.
- Opioids to Italy: On November 11, Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” was arrested at Lagos Airport while attempting to export 7,800 pills of tramadol, 180 tablets of Rohypnol, and 60 bottles of codeine concealed in food items.
- Tramadol to Turkey: On November 15, Anoke Kingsley Roomy was apprehended at Lagos Airport with 1,100 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in his luggage.
- Meth to Qatar: In Abuja, NDLEA officers raided a hotel at Federal Housing Authority Estate, Lugbe, on November 15, arresting Omeh Uchenna Jude and Anene Valentine Chigozie with 1.8kg of methamphetamine they planned to smuggle to Qatar.
Nationwide operations
- Surulere, Lagos: A Special Operations Unit arrested Akande Moruf Olasunkanmi with 1.8kg of methamphetamine after weeks of surveillance.
- Cross-Border Trafficking: On November 16, Emmanuel Okechukwu Okeke was caught attempting to smuggle 50,000 tramadol pills from Ghana into Lagos in the compartments of a Toyota Hummer bus.
Statewide raids
- Edo State: Nearly a ton (997kg) of cannabis was seized in various locations, including the Oghada forest, Ofosu forest, and the Otuo community.
- Oyo State: 563.74kg of cannabis was confiscated from a 60-year-old suspect, Anthony Anakabi, in Iyalode, Ibadan.
- Other States: Arrests and seizures were recorded in Adamawa, Kano, Imo, Kwara, and Rivers, totalling significant quantities of narcotics, including tramadol, codeine, and cannabis.
WADA sensitization activities
The NDLEA also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting awareness lectures in schools, communities, and workplaces nationwide. Locations included Government Day Secondary School in Bazza, Adamawa; Community Secondary School in Ogan-Ama, Rivers; and Army Cantonment Senior Boys High School in Lagos, among others.
NDLEA leadership commendation
Retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, praised the operatives for their operational successes and balanced approach to combating drug supply and demand. “Your relentless efforts in intercepting traffickers and engaging communities in awareness campaigns are vital to our mission of eradicating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria,” he said.
The NDLEA’s continuous vigilance underscores its commitment to curbing the global and domestic drug trade and ensuring safer communities nationwide.
