Three years after launching a manhunt for him, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has finally arrested a notorious drug kingpin, 36-year-old Sunday Ibigide, in Asaba, Delta State. Ibigide, who had been on the run since March 2022 when he was linked to the seizure of 24.137kg of skunk and 10 grams of molly, was captured on Sunday, 10th August 2025, alongside his aide, Clement Osuya, 27.
The arrest came as the duo attempted to move 250 blocks of skunk weighing 138 kilograms using a distribution bus. According to NDLEA officials, the breakthrough was made possible through credible intelligence and careful tracking, ending Ibigide’s three-year run from justice. The Agency noted that his capture marks a significant milestone in its fight against large-scale drug syndicates operating in the South-South region.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the NDLEA, commended his men for their diligence, describing Ibigide’s arrest as “a clear message that no criminal enterprise, no matter how well concealed, is beyond the reach of the law.”
Cannabis Farms Raided and Skunk Destroyed in Enugu, Taraba
The NDLEA also carried out large-scale destruction of cannabis farms across two states, recovering tens of thousands of kilograms of skunk. In Enugu Ezike, Enugu State, operatives supported by the military and local vigilantes destroyed 37,500kg of cannabis cultivated on 15 hectares of farmland. Six suspects, including young men aged between 22 and 42, were arrested and 74.5kg of the illicit substance was recovered for use as evidence in court.
In a separate operation in Taraba State, NDLEA operatives raided Tanmiya forest in Sardauna Local Government Area, with support from the Sardauna Emirate Council and Nigeria Forest Hunters Security Service. A total of 11,250kg of skunk cultivated on 4.5 hectares was destroyed. Additionally, 29,840 capsules of tramadol were seized from a suspect, 20-year-old Saleh Babangida, at a checkpoint in Wukari area. These operations underscore the NDLEA’s intensified clampdown on cannabis cultivation and trafficking networks feeding the nationwide drug supply chain.
The Agency noted that such raids are critical in cutting off illicit drugs at their source, ensuring they never reach urban distribution networks where addiction and abuse rates are rising.
Massive Opioid Seizures Across Nigeria
Across several northern states, NDLEA operatives intercepted staggering quantities of pharmaceutical opioids, particularly tramadol. In Gombe, a suspect, Sani Mohammed, 32, was arrested with 128,000 capsules of tramadol, while in Kogi State, officers on patrol along the Okene-Lokoja highway seized 337,800 capsules from a commercial bus driver, Sulaiman Oyedokun, who was transporting the drugs from Onitsha to Niger State.
Kaduna also witnessed multiple busts. Two suspects, Mohammed Amdife and Sulaiman Mohammed, were arrested with 22,640 pills of tramadol and rohypnol. In a separate case, Caroline David, 51, and Abdulhadi Umar, 30, were caught with 111.1kg of skunk along the Zaria–Kano road. In Kano State, operatives further intercepted 92kg of skunk in two different arrests.
The seizures highlight the massive scale of illicit pharmaceutical trafficking in Nigeria, particularly opioids which continue to devastate communities. NDLEA officials warned that the sheer volume of tramadol flooding Nigerian highways indicates the persistence of powerful syndicates exploiting porous transport routes.
Lagos, Rivers and Edo Operations Uncover Wider Networks by NDLEA
In Lagos, a dramatic arrest shocked residents of Mushin when NDLEA operatives apprehended a 52-year-old woman, Muyibat Mumuni, and her son, Faruk, 25, for storing and distributing 149kg of Ghana Loud. Another suspect, Emmanuel Samuel, was arrested in Ajah, Lekki, with 8.5kg of Canadian Loud. Officials say family-run distribution cells such as the Mumunis are becoming increasingly common, as traffickers exploit close-knit trust circles to evade law enforcement.
Meanwhile, in Rivers State, NDLEA’s intelligence-led operation at the Onne Port yielded one of the largest seizures in recent years. Five containers were intercepted containing 875,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N6.1 billion and 3.5 million pills of trodol benzhexol valued at N1.7 billion, bringing the total haul to N7.8 billion. The seizures were made during joint examinations with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies between 13th and 14th August.
In Edo State, operatives also uncovered a cannabis warehouse in Owan West LGA, seizing 130kg of skunk, while an additional 432kg was found hidden in bushes along Warake–Auchi road in Etsako West LGA. These operations show that trafficking cartels are deeply embedded in both urban and rural networks across Nigeria.
NDLEA Sustaining the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)
Beyond raids and arrests, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programmes across Nigeria. This past week, advocacy visits were made to influential leaders, including former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar in Minna, the Emir of Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, the Emir of Lafia in Nasarawa, and the Shehu of Borno in Maiduguri. The aim, according to NDLEA, is to foster community ownership of the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
Chairman Marwa emphasized that while arrests and seizures remain vital, long-term victory against the drug scourge requires prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation. He urged NDLEA officers to continue combining intelligence-led operations with grassroots education to reduce demand for drugs across communities.
As Nigeria grapples with rising cases of drug abuse, especially among youths, the NDLEA’s multi-pronged approach is seen as crucial. With billions worth of drugs taken off the streets in just one week, the Agency insists it is winning battles in the ongoing war — but warns that the war itself is far from over.
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