NDLEA Nabs Two Kingpins, Ex-Convicts, Foils International Drug Trafficking Operations

…Arrests Auto Parts Dealer for Heroin, Cannabis Shipments

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended Ejiofor Nnaemeka Chiwuzie, an automobile spare parts dealer, for attempting to export illicit drugs concealed within everyday items. 

In a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, the agency disclosed that Chiwuzie’s cargo, which included heroin and “loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. 

The drugs were hidden in LED rechargeable lamps and sofa metal legs, bound for Liberia.

Chiwuzie, who was arrested on 24th September 2024 at the Trade Fair complex in Ojo, Lagos, was linked to a consignment that NDLEA operatives had earlier seized. 

The NDLEA said the operation, which led to his arrest, uncovered 37 parcels of heroin weighing 1.10 kilograms and four blocks of loud weighing 1.20 kilograms.

The agency’s swift action also led to the arrest of two freight agents involved in facilitating the export, underscoring NDLEA’s continued effort to disrupt drug trafficking networks in the country.

In related developments, NDLEA officers foiled multiple attempts by drug syndicates to export consignments of controlled substances such as tramadol, co-codamol, pentazocine injections, and other opioids through courier companies to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Thailand, and Oman. 

The drugs, concealed in packages such as locally made footwear, clothing, and cartons, were seized between 23rd and 24th September in Lagos. 

Among the intercepted shipments were 2.3 kilograms of loud destined for Thailand and 749 grams of tramadol hidden in footwear soles en route to Oman. 

Other substances, including pentazocine injections and dihydrocodeine tablets, were discovered in parcels heading to the UK, Australia, and Canada.

The NDLEA also made significant arrests during the week, capturing two wanted drug kingpins. One of them, Ajiboye Damilare Samuel, also known as “Na God,” had been on the run for 12 months following a raid on his warehouse in Mushin, Lagos, where 1,101 kilograms of Ghana Loud was recovered in September 2023. 

Ajiboye was apprehended at a bank in Ogun State after the agency traced and blocked 20 bank accounts linked to him.

Another high-profile arrest took place in Lagos, where Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Talba, a community leader and the Sarkin Yamma of Badagry, was taken into custody on 27th September. 

His arrest followed the earlier capture of his two wives and son after the NDLEA seized 226.2 kilograms of cannabis at their homes.

In a nationwide crackdown, NDLEA operatives intercepted substantial drug consignments. 

In Lagos, 9.7 kilograms of cannabis and 50 litres of “monkey tail” (a cannabis and gin mixture) were recovered in Ajah. 

In Kogi, three suspects were arrested with 132 sacks of cannabis weighing 2,062 kilograms, while in Edo State, operatives raided a residence in Uzebba, seizing 112.5 kilograms of cannabis.

In Plateau State, a female suspect, Jummai Luka, was arrested with 12,000 pills of tramadol, and in Kano, Aminu Danmanya was caught with 15,530 capsules of tramadol. 

Similarly, in Niger, 6,000 ampoules of pentazocine injections were recovered, and in Oyo, 601 kilograms of cannabis sativa were seized along with a Dane gun.

The NDLEA also made multiple arrests of ex-convicts in Katsina, including Muhammad Machido and Zakari Ya’u Buhari, both caught with large quantities of opioids and cannabis. 

Buhari, who had previously been sentenced to 15 months in prison, was arrested again in Daura with 7 kilograms of cannabis.

Alongside their enforcement actions, NDLEA Commands across the country intensified their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, delivering sensitisation lectures in schools, workplaces, traditional palaces, and communities. 

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, lauded the officers for their efforts in combating drug trafficking and for their continued commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.