Through coordinated operations, NDLEA operatives disrupted drug trafficking organizations’ smuggling attempts targeting the US, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland, and the UAE.
They intercepted drugs concealed in prayer beads, board games, vitamin bottles, and clothing.
Additionally, the operations spanned multiple states, involved logistics firms and airports, and highlighted the agency’s commitment to combating transnational drug trafficking.
Arrests at Lagos Airport
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested two suspects linked to attempted drug exports.
On March 8, 2025, authorities arrested Jakpor Egware May, a 43-year-old businesswoman, at Gate C as she attempted to board an Air France flight to Italy.
During the arrest, officers discovered 190 tramadol 225mg parcels and a skunk parcel—a potent cannabis strain—in her luggage.
During interrogation, she admitted to purchasing the drugs for resale in Italy.
Similarly, on March 11, a 60-year-old suspect, Yahaya Fatai Ayinla, was arrested at the airport’s export shed while attempting to ship clothes concealing 400 grams of skunk to New York.
These arrests highlight the innovative yet desperate methods employed by traffickers to evade detection.
Concealment Tactics Uncovered
The ingenuity of traffickers was further exposed when NDLEA operatives intercepted shipments at logistics companies in Lagos.
Authorities recently intercepted over two kilograms of illicit drugs, including Loud (cannabis), Molly (MDMA), and tramadol (365mg and 225mg).
Furthermore, they discovered the substances concealed inside vitamin C bottles and female clothing bound for the United States.
In another operation between March 10 and March 12, cocaine weighing 230 grams was found concealed in prayer beads, soles of locally made shoes, and board game packs.
These shipments were intended for Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the UAE.
The agency’s vigilance thwarted these elaborate smuggling attempts.
Nationwide Operations Yield Results
Beyond Lagos, NDLEA intensified its efforts across Nigeria. In Kano State on March 12, operatives seized 727 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 479 kg from a suspect, Hassan Haruna, in the Chalawa area. Meanwhile, in Kogi State, 58,300 tramadol pills were intercepted on a commercial bus traveling from Lagos to Abuja on March 11.
In Kaduna State, two separate operations led to significant seizures. On March 13, Idris Hamza, 21, was arrested in Kachia with 4,900 tramadol pills. The following day, another suspect, Aminu Magaji, 25, was apprehended in Kaduna North LGA with 2,900 tramadol tablets.
Kwara State also recorded notable successes. On March 14, NDLEA operatives intercepted 40,200 tramadol tablets from two suspects along the Ilorin-Jebba expressway. A day earlier, 21,700 tramadol capsules were seized from another suspect along the Eiyenkorin expressway.
Additional Seizures Across States
On March 14, NDLEA officers in Taraba arrested 35-year-old Polycarp Adeku, seizing 15.77 kg of skunk on Bente Road, Kurmi LGA.
Similarly, Osun operatives intercepted a bus near King University, Ode-Omu, on March 13, confiscating 48.7 kg of cannabis—Ghanaian Loud, Colorado, and Canadian Loud.
Follow-up operations in Osogbo and Ile-Ife resulted in the arrest of nine suspects.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also witnessed significant arrests. On March 11, Ade Esan (aka Pastor), 58, was apprehended along the Gwagwalada expressway with 27,800 tramadol pills.
On the same day, Usman Mohammed, 26, was arrested in Wuse Zone 3 with quantities of skunk and cocaine.
In Abia State on March 15, a raid in Ntigha community led to the arrest of Chinaza Nwogu (aka Young Money), 34.
He was found in possession of 274 grams of heroin, 141 grams of methamphetamine, 2.931 kg of cannabis sativa, 4 grams of cocaine, and ₦753,015 in cash.
War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Campaigns
In addition to enforcement activities, NDLEA intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs.
Educational lectures were held at schools across various states, including Lagos, Adamawa, Kogi, Anambra, and Ekiti.
These programs aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among students and communities.
Leadership Commendation
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA Chairman, recently praised operatives for relentlessly combating drug supply and demand.
He specifically highlighted officers’ balanced strategies at MMIA and state commands.
Additionally, he commended efforts in Kano, Kwara, Kaduna, Taraba, Abia, Osun, and FCT, emphasizing their proactive, results-driven operations.
“These operational successes reflect our resolute determination to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs,” Marwa stated.
“The dedication of our officers is critical to safeguarding public health and ensuring national security.”
The NDLEA’s relentless efforts have dealt significant blows to drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria and beyond its borders.
Through strategic operations and community sensitization programs, the agency continues to demonstrate its resolve in combating drug-related crimes while fostering a drug-free society.
