NDLEA Thwarts UK, Italy, Turkey, and Qatar-Bound Drug Consignments in Lagos and Abuja

In a significant crackdown on international drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted multiple consignments of cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids bound for the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, and Qatar through major Nigerian airports. This success follows a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, resulting in arrests and seizures that demonstrate NDLEA’s intensified focus on transnational drug syndicates.

On November 5, 2024, NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport seized 13 parcels of cocaine, weighing approximately 4.4 kilograms, destined for the UK via Frankfurt on a Lufthansa Airlines flight. Three days later, they apprehended Ekeocha Anayo Nelson, a businessman allegedly linked to the illicit consignment. Additionally, on November 11, Adegbite Solomon, alias “Obama,” was arrested at the Lagos airport while attempting to smuggle 7,800 pills of tramadol, 180 tablets of rohypnol, and 60 bottles of codeine to Italy, cleverly hidden in food items.

Hotel Raids in Abuja and Strategic Airport Surveillance Lead to Further Arrests

Following targeted intelligence, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency teams raided a hotel at the Federal Housing Authority estate in Lugbe, Abuja, on November 15, apprehending suspects Omeh Uchenna Jude, 36, and Anene Valentine Chigozie, 34, who were preparing to transport 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine to Qatar. These arrests underscore the NDLEA’s strategy of intercepting drug traffickers not only at transit points but also within suspected hideouts, disrupting supply chains before departure.

Another suspect, Akande Moruf Olasunkanmi, was apprehended in Lagos after a surveillance operation culminated in the seizure of 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine at his home in Surulere. In a separate incident, operatives intercepted Anoke Kingsley Roomy at the Lagos airport’s terminal 1 while attempting to smuggle 1,100 pills of tramadol to Istanbul. These coordinated efforts highlight the NDLEA’s thorough investigation methods, tracking suspects over weeks to dismantle networks at their core.

Cross-Border Trafficking Foiled as NDLEA Intercepts Ghana-Originating Opioids

In another victory against regional drug trafficking, NDLEA agents intercepted 50,000 tramadol pills concealed within a Toyota Hummer Bus operated by GUO Transport Company at Ijanikin, along the Lagos-Badagry expressway. The pills, reportedly smuggled in from Ghana, were intended for distribution within Lagos, adding to the NDLEA’s list of successful crackdowns on trans-border drug flow. The suspect, Emmanuel Okechukwu Okeke, was apprehended as the agency escalates its vigilance on Nigeria’s borders and transportation hubs.

The NDLEA’s continuous monitoring of inter-country trafficking has enabled it to intercept massive quantities of illegal drugs before reaching the public. Such operations reflect NDLEA’s regional partnerships, intelligence exchange, and diligent efforts to prevent narcotics smuggled from neighboring countries from proliferating within Nigeria, further bolstering its campaign to curtail drug availability domestically.

Nationwide Cannabis Raids and Public Awareness Campaigns Bolster NDLEA’s WADA Initiative

In line with its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, the NDLEA expanded its operations across multiple Nigerian states, seizing cannabis in Edo, Oyo, Imo, Kwara, and Kano. A significant haul of 997 kilograms of cannabis was recovered in Edo state alone, with additional seizures reported from states including Lagos and Kano. These operations highlight NDLEA’s resolve to not only tackle drug trafficking at airports but also target internal distribution channels across rural and urban areas nationwide.

Furthermore, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency continued its WADA campaign, conducting sensitization sessions in schools and communities to raise awareness about drug abuse. Educational outreach took place in locations such as Government Day Secondary School in Bazza, Adamawa; Government Secondary School in Tambuwal, Sokoto; and Ebele Chu Group of Schools in Onitsha, Anambra. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the efforts of agency personnel, emphasizing their success in curbing both drug supply and demand. Through these coordinated enforcement actions and preventive programs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is sending a clear message that it remains resolute in safeguarding Nigeria from the menace of drug abuse and trafficking.