NDLEA Foils International Drug Trafficking Attempts, Arrests Masterminds in Lagos, Abuja
In a series of intelligence-led operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully intercepted several consignments of cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids bound for the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, and Qatar.
The operations, which took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, resulted in the arrests of multiple suspects linked to the international drug trade.
Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, in a statement, disclosed key interceptions and arrests, including cocaine bound for the UK.
On 5th November 2024, NDLEA operatives at MMIA intercepted 13 parcels of cocaine weighing 4.40kg at the airport’s export shed.
According to the statement, the consignment, destined for the UK via a Lufthansa Airlines flight, led to the arrest of Ekeocha Anayo Nelson, a businessman, on 8th November.
On 11th November, Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” was apprehended while attempting to smuggle 7,800 tramadol pills, 180 rohypnol tablets, and 60 bottles of codeine to Italy aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
The drugs were cleverly hidden in food and other items. Solomon claimed to have previously worked as a street beggar in Europe before venturing into logistics.
On 15th November, NDLEA officers at MMIA arrested Anoke Kingsley Roomy with 1,100 tramadol pills concealed in his luggage as he attempted to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Istanbul, Turkey.
The NDLEA’s Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) and FCT Command operatives raided a hotel in Lugbe, Abuja, on 15th November.
Two suspects, Omeh Uchenna Jude, 36, and Anene Valentine Chigozie, 34, were arrested with 1.8kg of methamphetamine intended for Qatar.
A trans-border trafficker, Emmanuel Okechukwu Okeke, was intercepted on 16th November at Ijanikin, Lagos-Badagry expressway.
The NDLEA recovered 50,000 tramadol pills hidden in the body compartments of a Toyota Hummer Bus operated by GUO Transport Company.
The NDLEA also conducted raids in Edo State, recovering 997kg of cannabis in multiple locations, including:
680kg in Orhionmwan LGA, alongside a Sienna bus.
180.5kg in Ovia South-West LGA, from Cecilia Ibe, 31.
136.5kg in Owan East LGA, evacuated from a residential building.
Further seizures included: 88.3kg cannabis from a suspect on Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
120.8kg cannabis and codeine in Kwara State.
75kg cannabis in Imo State.
563.74kg cannabis from a 60-year-old suspect in Ibadan, Oyo State.
NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) programme also made strides, engaging schools, worship centres, and communities across the country.
Key locations included: Government Day Secondary School, Bazza, Adamawa.
Army Cantonment Senior Boys High School, Ojo, Lagos.
Community Secondary School, Ogan-Ama, Rivers.
NKST Secondary School, Adikpo, Benue state.
Government Secondary School, Tambuwal, Sokoto state.
Government Girls Secondary School, Kunchi, Kano.
Ebele Chu Group of Schools, Nkpor Onitsha, Anambra.
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, praised the officers’ dedication, stating, “These operational successes reflect the agency’s balanced approach to curbing drug supply and reducing demand. The efforts of our officers across the country remain commendable.”
