The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, arresting an 83-year-old man and a 78-year-old suspect in separate operations in Abia and Ekiti states. The arrests, alongside a series of high-profile seizures across multiple regions, underscore the agency’s expanding enforcement drive against narcotics distribution networks in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency detailed a string of coordinated operations that led to the recovery of significant quantities of cannabis, synthetic drugs, and opioids. The development highlights both the scale of the drug trade and the diverse profiles of individuals allegedly involved.
Elderly Suspects Arrested as NDLEA Expands Reach
The arrest of Pa John Ofiel, aged 83, in Aba, Abia State, has drawn particular attention due to his age. He was apprehended during a raid following intelligence reports linking him to drug distribution. Officers reportedly recovered 700 grams of skunk packaged in retail sachets. According to investigators, Ofiel disclosed that he had previously worked as a shoemaker before turning to the illicit trade.
In a similar operation in Ekiti State, Ogunjobi Samuel, 78, was arrested at his residence in Ilupeju-Ekiti. Authorities seized 350 grams of cannabis from the suspect. These arrests suggest that involvement in drug trafficking cuts across age groups, challenging assumptions that such activities are limited to younger individuals.
The NDLEA noted that intelligence-driven operations remain central to its enforcement strategy, enabling officers to track suspects across different communities. The agency has reiterated its commitment to dismantling networks irrespective of the age or status of those involved.
Nationwide Operations Yield Major Drug Seizures
Beyond the arrests in Abia and Ekiti, NDLEA operatives recorded significant successes across several states. In Oyo State, two women—Rebecca King, 24, and Olaniyan Opeyemi, 31—were arrested in connection with the seizure of 1.925kg of Colorado, a potent synthetic cannabis. Additional arrests in Ibadan led to the recovery of 3.085kg of skunk and a vehicle linked to distribution activities.
Operations in northern Nigeria also resulted in major interceptions. Along the Damaturu-Maiduguri Road, officers seized 76,440 tablets of Tramadol from a suspect, while further actions in Borno and Jigawa states led to the confiscation of tens of thousands of opioid capsules. In Kaduna State, 290kg of compressed cannabis was recovered from suspects intercepted on the Abuja–Jos Highway.
In Lagos, a raid at Awolowo Market in Mushin uncovered a staggering 740kg of skunk, highlighting the city’s continued role as a key hub in drug distribution networks. Meanwhile, an operation in Edo State led to the arrest of a suspect found with a mix of illicit substances, including methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis variants.
Agency Sustains Anti-Drug Campaign and Enforcement Momentum
The NDLEA has not limited its efforts to enforcement alone. The agency continues to carry out sensitisation campaigns in schools, markets, religious centres, and transport hubs nationwide. These initiatives aim to reduce drug demand while complementing supply-side crackdowns.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations and urged them to maintain the current pace. He emphasised that sustained pressure on drug networks is essential to curbing the spread of illicit substances across the country.
As the agency expands its operations, the latest arrests and seizures signal a firm commitment to tackling Nigeria’s drug challenges through a combination of intelligence, enforcement, and public awareness.
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