Barely three weeks after launching a manhunt, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an automobile spare parts dealer, Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, for attempting to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.
The illicit consignment was initially seized at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, on February 21, 2025. Swift coordination with Angolan authorities led to the arrest of the intended recipient in Angola, which helped unravel the identity of the sender. Acting on this intelligence, NDLEA operatives tracked Ubodoeze to his residence in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos, on March 6. He was apprehended while trying to flee in a Kia SUV.
A thorough search of his vehicle uncovered 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin, a known cocaine-cutting agent, disguised as semolina. A digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs was also found in his house. In his confession, Ubodoeze admitted to running a drug trade alongside his spare parts business in Ladipo Market, Mushin. He revealed that his contact in Angola had warned him of the authorities’ clampdown, prompting his failed escape attempt before NDLEA operatives closed in on him.
NDLEA Intercepts Cannabis-Infused Candies Destined for Lagos Kiddies’ Shop
In another operation, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted a cargo shipment of cannabis-infused candies imported from the United Kingdom. The illicit goods, meant for sale at a kiddies’ mart in Surulere, Lagos, arrived on February 27 as a consolidated cargo via Allied Airways.
Upon forensic analysis, the candies tested positive for a potent strain of cannabis. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Adedamola Taylor on March 4. Taylor claimed the consignment was sent by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, and was intended for delivery to one Musurat Lawal, the operator of the kiddies’ shop. A follow-up raid on the store led to Lawal’s arrest.
This alarming interception highlights a disturbing trend of drug traffickers targeting unsuspecting children with narcotics-laced products. The NDLEA has vowed to intensify efforts to dismantle such networks and protect the youth from the dangers of drug abuse.
Major Drug Seizures and Arrests Across Nigeria
Several large-scale drug interdiction operations were conducted in different states, leading to significant arrests and seizures. On March 7, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, in the Shibiri area of Ojo, Lagos. Their commercial truck, upon inspection, was found to contain 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud, a high-grade strain of cannabis, weighing 128 kilograms.
In another operation on the same day, three suspects—Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe—were apprehended at Mosalasi Junction, Mushin, with 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids. These arrests underscore the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug distribution networks operating in major urban centers.
Meanwhile, in Kano, 65-year-old Yahaya Haruna was nabbed along Gadar Tamburawa Road on March 6 with 19.2 kilograms of skunk. Another suspect, Musa Bello (alias Jajere), was arrested in the Medile area of Kumbotso Local Government with 212 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
Massive Drug Hauls in Abia, Benue, Osun, and Edo States
NDLEA operatives also intensified their anti-drug operations in other parts of the country. In Aba, Abia State, officers raided the residence and warehouse of 37-year-old Blessing Okoronkwo on March 4. The operation yielded a massive seizure of 442,594 tramadol pills, other opioids, and 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup.
In Benue State, a vehicle intercepted at Ugbema Junction, Katsina-Ala, on March 5 was found to contain 50,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5. Two suspects, Nwaeze Onyeabor, 47, and Tombo Thomas, 23, were taken into custody.
In Osun State, 50-year-old Asimiyu Muibi was arrested on March 4 at Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, with 162 kilograms of skunk. The same day, NDLEA operatives in Ede recovered 95 kilograms of the substance from a Toyota Camry with registration number KSF 72 GW.
One of the most significant operations took place in Edo State on March 5, where NDLEA operatives raided the Amahor community forest in Igueben. The operation led to the arrest of 55-year-old Etim Esien Stephen and the destruction of 9,514.625 kilograms of skunk cultivated on a vast 3.8-hectare cannabis farm.
NDLEA’s Ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Sensitization
In addition to its enforcement operations, the NDLEA has continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative to educate communities about the dangers of narcotics. Over the past week, the agency has conducted sensitization lectures in schools, workplaces, and religious centers.
Educational sessions were held at institutions such as Model High School, Amaechi, Enugu; Bengy Secondary School, Agege, Lagos; Sunshine Secondary School, Akwa Ibom; and Government Day Secondary School, Dong, Adamawa. These programs aim to instill awareness and deter drug use among young Nigerians.
Commending the efforts of NDLEA officers across Lagos, Kano, Abia, Benue, Osun, and Edo States, the agency’s Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), reaffirmed their commitment to tackling drug trafficking. He emphasized that the NDLEA’s balanced approach—focusing on both drug supply reduction and public education—remains crucial in curbing Nigeria’s drug crisis.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
