A 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Nigeria. The suspect, who operates boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State, was intercepted upon his arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on October 8, 2025.
Following a body scan that revealed the presence of illicit drugs, NDLEA officers discovered 58 wraps of cocaine concealed in his underwear. He was subsequently placed under excretion observation, during which he passed 69 additional wraps, bringing the total to 127 cocaine pellets weighing 1.388 kilograms. The suspect reportedly concealed part of the illicit substance in his private part before ingestion.
According to NDLEA sources, the arrest was made possible through credible intelligence and is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking networks exploiting Nigeria’s airports for smuggling operations.
Meth, Opioids, and Cannabis Seized in Lagos, Edo, and Other States
NDLEA operatives also intercepted multiple shipments of hard drugs concealed in everyday items at courier companies in Lagos. Three consignments destined for the United Kingdom were seized between October 9 and 10, including 1.74kg of methamphetamine hidden in glass ceramics, pentazocine and tramadol injections disguised in containers, and tramadol capsules tucked inside Vitamin C bottles.
Further investigations led to the interception of 2.6kg of skunk and 422 grams of tapentadol tablets hidden in black soap, bound for Turkey; 169 grams of cocaine concealed in women’s handbags en route to Australia; and 568 grams of “Loud” cannabis disguised as herbal medicine for the UAE. Additionally, 27,510 rohypnol pills packed in sachets of alcoholic drinks and destined for South Africa were confiscated at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
A follow-up operation at Oyingbo Market led to the arrest of Samuel Omoruyi, alias “Yellow,” the alleged mastermind behind the rohypnol shipment. On the same day, an Italy-based businessman, Enehizena Augustine Uyimwen, was caught attempting to export 3,700 tramadol tablets and 2,600 tapentadol tablets hidden in food items, claiming he was trafficking for a fee of €945.
Nationwide Raids Yield Major Drug Recoveries
Across Nigeria, NDLEA officers intensified their anti-drug operations, resulting in significant arrests and seizures. In Edo State, a raid at Ugbekpe Ekperi in Etsako Central led to the discovery of 47kg of skunk in the residence of Emmanuel Sunday, 33. Similarly, two suspects — Nureni Ayobami Eleweodo (48) and Oladejo Taiwo (52) — were arrested in Osun State with 635kg of cannabis, while another pair, Timothy Omiwole (41) and Isaac Achiatan (36), were caught with 100kg of the same substance.
In Rivers State, Okoro Julius (20) and Onyebuchi Nwibo (25) were arrested for possession of 8.5kg of skunk, and in Katsina State, Sulaiman Kalalu (46) was detained after 29.5kg of the drug was recovered from his home. NDLEA agents in Niger State arrested Yisa Daniel (29) with 22,000 tramadol capsules, 800 pentazocine ampoules, and 150,000 Exol-5 pills.
Further seizures included 312kg of skunk from a bush in Ondo State, 141.8kg from suspects along the Benin-Lagos expressway, and 150,000 Exol-5 tablets intercepted at the Abuja-Kaduna toll gate.
NDLEA Strengthens Public Sensitization Campaign
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continues to expand its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. The campaign recently reached schools, religious institutions, and workplaces across several states, including Adamawa, Ebonyi, Katsina, Enugu, Niger, Kogi, Anambra, Rivers, Kano, and Osun. The sensitization drives aim to educate young Nigerians about the dangers of drug abuse and promote community collaboration in tackling the menace.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and commands involved for their dedication, urging them to maintain “tenacity, professionalism, and a balanced approach” in the agency’s ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking and consumption
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