NDLEA Arrests Businessman at Kano Airport for Cocaine Smuggling

In a landmark drug bust, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 256 wraps of cocaine, weighing 6 kilograms, concealed within the body of Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus, an import and export businessman. The arrest occurred on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) during the clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The discovery marks the largest single seizure of cocaine at the Kano airport since the establishment of NDLEA’s MAKIA Command in 2006. Olisaka, subjected to thorough body screening, was found to have meticulously packed hundreds of cocaine pellets. This unprecedented seizure underscores the growing sophistication of drug traffickers and the vigilance of NDLEA operatives.

Repeat Offender and Businesswoman Nabbed at Lagos Airport

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested ex-convict Olanrewaju Bada Akorede while attempting to smuggle rohypnol concealed in a shipment containing local food items, shoes, and clothing. The arrest took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) export shed. Olanrewaju, previously convicted for a similar offense in December 2023, had paid a fine of ₦900,000 to avoid a two-year prison term.

Similarly, Cynthia Akaeen, an Italy-based businesswoman, was apprehended on December 18, 2024, at Lagos airport while boarding a Royal Air Maroc flight to Italy. NDLEA officers found 9,190 tramadol tablets weighing 6 kilograms in her possession. Cynthia admitted she was promised €1,000 for delivering the drugs. These arrests highlight persistent trafficking networks targeting international routes.

Major Drug Raids in Borno and Anambra State

In a series of coordinated operations, NDLEA recovered a staggering 418,330 tramadol pills, tapentadol capsules, and codeine-based syrups from a warehouse in Onitsha, Anambra State. The raid, conducted on December 17, 2024, followed actionable intelligence and represents a significant disruption of drug distribution networks in the region.

In Borno State, operatives seized 293,000 tramadol capsules, a pistol, and live ammunition from two suspects in Maiduguri. Another suspect was arrested with 260,000 tramadol capsules, while 35-year-old Modu Kolera was caught with cannabis, tramadol, and diazepam in his Volkswagen Golf. These seizures emphasize NDLEA’s relentless efforts to combat drug proliferation in the northeast.

Massive Codeine Bust at Lagos Port and Other Arrests

At Tincan Island Port in Lagos, NDLEA operatives, in collaboration with Customs, DSS, and other agencies, seized 180,000 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in a container from India. The consignee, Makata Emmanuel, was immediately taken into custody. This bust, conducted on December 18, 2024, underscores the scale of illegal pharmaceutical imports into Nigeria.

Meanwhile, in Oyo and Enugu states, NDLEA arrested suspects with large quantities of cannabis. Gafar Saminu was found with 33.5 kilograms of cannabis in Oyo, while a raid in Enugu’s Aria New Market yielded 94 kilograms of the substance. Another 32 kilograms of ephedrine were intercepted at a Lagos motor park destined for the southeast.

NDLEA Intensifies Drug War and Public Sensitization Campaigns

.Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization efforts across Nigeria. Activities included lectures in schools and community engagements to raise awareness about drug abuse. Events were held in Adamawa, Kano, Kebbi, and other states, targeting students, religious leaders, and workplaces.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the dedication of operatives across multiple commands. He urged them to maintain their momentum in reducing both drug supply and demand. These combined efforts demonstrate the agency’s balanced approach to tackling Nigeria’s drug menace.

NDLEA Leadership Commends Officers, Calls for Public Collaboration

The Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), applauded the efforts of officers in MAKIA, MMIA, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Enugu Commands. He urged them to sustain their momentum while emphasizing the importance of public collaboration, particularly in intelligence gathering.

Marwa reiterated the devastating societal consequences of drug abuse and highlighted the agency’s determination to maintain a balanced strategy between drug supply reduction and demand reduction. The NDLEA remains steadfast in its mission to protect Nigeria from the scourge of illicit drugs.

This comprehensive crackdown underscores the NDLEA’s relentless fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria, reinforcing its role as a critical pillar in safeguarding public health and safety.