NDLEA Destroys Illicit Drug Warehouses in Ekiti, Ondo Forests

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against drug trafficking across Nigeria, following a series of intelligence–led raids in multiple states. According to the Agency, over 7.6 million tramadol pills and more than 76,273 kilograms of cannabis variants, including Colorado, Loud and Skunk, were intercepted, while several members of drug trafficking networks linked to the seizures were arrested.

These operations were undertaken across Delta, Imo, Adamawa, Ekiti, Ondo, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Edo States, with many of the seizures traced to hidden warehouses in forests and border regions.

Massive Opioid Seizures Across Southern and Northern Routes

In Delta State, NDLEA operatives recovered more than 3.8 million tramadol pills and over 252 litres of codeine from a warehouse located inside Oko market, Asaba. Similarly, on the Onitsha–Owerri axis, operatives seized 1.2 million tablets of tramadol 225mg from a vehicle belonging to a suspect, later identified as 35-year-old Kelechi Nwakocha.

In Adamawa, officers intercepted a vehicle travelling from Jos with more than 1.5 million capsules of tramadol and exol-5 tablets concealed within bags of new rubber footwear. Two men were arrested in connection with the consignment. Other northern routes also reported arrests, including the detention of a suspect with almost 200,000 pills of exol-5 along the Zaria–Kano road.

These operations highlight the expanding trafficking corridors being exploited by organised drug cartels across the country, stretching from southern supply locations into northern markets.

Forest Warehouses Destroyed in Ekiti and Ondo

A special operations unit of the NDLEA stormed illicit farms and storage facilities hidden deep inside forests across Ekiti State. At Omuo–Ekiti, officers destroyed more than 14,600 kilograms of skunk and arrested two suspects believed to be linked to the supply chain.

A further operation in Asin–Ekiti led to the destruction of more than 54,000 kilograms of cannabis stored in large makeshift warehouses. Additional quantities recovered were preserved for prosecution evidence.

Acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA units also raided the Igoba forest in Akure North, Ondo State, where more than 5,400 kilograms of cannabis were seized and five suspects arrested. These discoveries underscore concerns about forested zones being used as concealed processing and storage sites for illicit drug distribution.

Urban Seizures and Arrests Across Major Cities

In Abuja, NDLEA operatives intercepted consignments of synthetic cannabis, popularly called Colorado, alongside exol-5 pills along the Kwali–Gwagwalada and Abaji corridors. Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of receivers within the city.

Similarly, in Lagos, a combination of Colorado and skunk products were recovered in Mushin, Onipanu and the Trade Fair complex, leading to multiple arrests. Edo State also recorded significant seizures, including almost half a tonne of skunk discovered inside vehicles traced to forest regions.

The NDLEA emphasised that these interceptions demonstrate that drug trafficking operations are increasingly decentralised and spread across both urban and rural networks.

NDLEA Commends Officers as WADA Sensitisation Continues

The NDLEA confirmed that while operational enforcement continues across states, nationwide sensitisation activities under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) programme also resumed during the week. Educational campaigns were conducted in Kano, Benue and Rivers States, targeting schools and communities.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended state commands and specialised units for the coordinated raids, adding that the Agency will continue deploying a balanced strategy that combines supply reduction and public awareness.

“Operational successes recorded across various formations reflect the resolve of the Agency to dismantle drug networks while also confronting demand through sustained sensitisation,” he stated.