NDLEA Smashes Cocaine Syndicate, Arrests Couple, Recovers N2.1 Billion Drug in Lagos Raid

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a prominent cocaine syndicate operating from Lagos. The syndicate, allegedly led by Agbakoba John Mmadu and his wife Agbakoba Ijeoma Chinwe, along with their associate Okoye Ifeoma Maryjane, was targeted after months of meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance. The operation culminated in the apprehension of the key figures at separate locations across Lagos on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024.

At Ago Palace Way, Okota, NDLEA officers arrested 54-year-old Agbakoba John Mmadu, where they seized seven parcels of cocaine weighing a total of 7.652 kilograms. Simultaneously, Agbakoba Ijeoma Chinwe, 39, and Okoye Ifeoma Maryjane, 31, were apprehended at Plot 2205 Eugene Ndubisi Close, Lilly Estate, Amuwo Odofin area. From this location, NDLEA recovered 122 compressed pellets of cocaine, amounting to 2.42 kilograms. The combined haul from both sites resulted in the seizure of 10.1 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding N2.1 billion.

This successful operation underscores NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking networks that operate both domestically and internationally. The agency’s specialized operations unit executed the raid with precision, disrupting a well-established network involved in packaging, distributing, and trafficking cocaine within Nigeria and beyond.

Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction

Following their arrest, Agbakoba John Mmadu, Agbakoba Ijeoma Chinwe, and Okoye Ifeoma Maryjane are expected to face multiple charges related to drug trafficking and possession. The apprehension of such a high-profile syndicate has drawn attention from the public and law enforcement agencies alike, highlighting the ongoing battle against narcotics in Nigeria. NDLEA officials have expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the operation, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks that threaten public safety and national security.

This significant seizure of cocaine and subsequent arrests not only disrupts criminal activities but also sends a strong message regarding the enforcement of drug laws in Nigeria. The NDLEA remains vigilant in its mission to curb drug trafficking, employing intelligence-driven operations to safeguard communities and uphold the rule of law.

Major NDLEA Drug Interceptions in Benue and Adamawa States

In a significant drug bust, NDLEA operatives in Benue State intercepted a consignment of 350 grams of cocaine on Thursday, 4th July. The seizure occurred at a checkpoint along Enugu Road, Otukpo. The illicit drug was ingeniously concealed in an MP3 speaker sent as a waybill parcel. The operation swiftly led to a follow-up at Flight Motor Park in Otukpo, culminating in the arrest of the parcel’s owner, 25-year-old Odeh Anthony. This interception highlights the relentless efforts of the NDLEA in curbing drug trafficking through creative concealment methods.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 3rd July, NDLEA officers on a stop-and-search operation along Ngurore-Yola Road in Adamawa State apprehended a Chadian national, Yves Ahmat Gali. The suspect was traveling in a commercial bus from Kano to Yola and was found with a loudspeaker used to conceal 20 compressed blocks and nine plastic containers of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis weighing 5.200kg. These operations underscore the transnational dimension of drug trafficking and the NDLEA’s vigilance in intercepting illegal substances.

Arrests in Kano, Osun, and Ondo States

On the same day, NDLEA operatives in Kano arrested a youth corps member, Yusuf Abdulrahman, aged 25, at the Corpers Lodge in the Sumaila area. Abdulrahman was found with 1.250kg of Loud, reflecting the agency’s efforts to combat drug abuse among young adults. Additionally, in Osun State, the head of Akarabata community in Ile-Ife, Ba’ale Ige Babatunde, aged 50, was arrested on Friday, 5th July, with fresh cannabis plants weighing 5kg. These arrests demonstrate the NDLEA’s commitment to rooting out drug cultivation and distribution at the community level.

In a major operation in Ondo State, two suspects, Monday Ali (49) and Jimoh Alewi (37), were arrested when NDLEA operatives raided Ikota Forest in Ifedore LGA. The raid, which spanned five days and ended on Monday, 1st July, resulted in the destruction of 42,500kg of cannabis on 17 hectares of farmland and the recovery of 73.5kg of the same substance for prosecution purposes. This extensive operation highlights the agency’s capacity to dismantle large-scale drug farming operations and bring offenders to justice.

Nationwide WADA Sensitization Efforts

In the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, NDLEA operatives made a significant arrest on Saturday, 6th July. Sanusi Mamman (28) and Usaini Ibrahim (20) were apprehended in a vehicle along the Abaji-Gwagwalada axis with a substantial haul of opioids, including 1,132 bottles of codeine syrup, 13,540 pills of tramadol, 50,000 pills of diazepam, and 59 pills of rohypnol. The suspects claimed they were transporting the drugs from Onitsha, Anambra State. This arrest underscores the persistent issue of opioid trafficking and the NDLEA’s efforts to curb its spread.

Parallel to their enforcement actions, NDLEA Commands and formations nationwide have intensified their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities. These initiatives include lectures and awareness campaigns in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities. Notable efforts include WADA enlightenment lectures for students of Community Grammar School (Junior) in Aroro, Ibadan, Oyo State; Candy Secondary School in Agu Awka, Anambra State; Community High School in Umuida, Enugu Ezike, Enugu State; School for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Kofar Nasarawa, Kano State; and a sensitization lecture organized by the NDLEA Zone M Zonal Command at Sabo Motor Park in Kaduna.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men of the Special Operations Unit, Osun, Benue, Ondo, Kano, and FCT Commands for their commendable arrests and seizures. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between drug supply reduction efforts and WADA sensitization activities, urging all personnel to sustain their commendable efforts in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.