The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a series of successful operations across Nigeria, intercepting significant quantities of illicit drugs destined for international markets, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. These operations highlight the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and disrupting the flow of narcotics both within the country and across its borders. The intercepted drugs include a variety of substances, ranging from cocaine and heroin to tramadol, cannabis (including skunk, loud, and Colorado strains), and molly. Smugglers employed ingenious concealment methods, hiding the drugs within seemingly innocuous items like prayer beads, board game packs, the soles of locally made shoes, vitamin C bottles, and even female clothing.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, two individuals were apprehended in connection with attempted drug smuggling. A 43-year-old businesswoman, Jakpor Egware May, was caught trying to board a flight to Italy with 190 parcels of tramadol and a parcel of skunk concealed in her luggage. She confessed to purchasing the drugs with the intention of reselling them in Italy. Separately, 60-year-old Yahaya Fatai Ayinla was arrested at the airport’s export shed while attempting to ship 400 grams of skunk hidden within clothing to New York. These arrests underscore the airport’s vulnerability to drug trafficking and the NDLEA’s vigilance in monitoring outgoing shipments.
Beyond the airport, the NDLEA’s Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) thwarted attempts to export over two kilograms of loud, molly, and tramadol concealed in vitamin C bottles and female clothing to the US through various logistics companies in Lagos. Furthermore, shipments containing 230 grams of cocaine hidden within prayer beads, shoe soles, and board game packs, destined for Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the UAE, were also intercepted. These diverse smuggling methods and intended destinations demonstrate the complex networks involved in international drug trafficking.
The NDLEA’s operations extended beyond Lagos, reaching several other states across Nigeria. In Kano, a significant seizure of 727 blocks of compressed skunk, weighing a staggering 479 kilograms, was made, leading to the arrest of 40-year-old Hassan Haruna. Along the Kabba-Obajana highway in Kogi State, officers intercepted a commercial bus en route from Lagos to Abuja, uncovering 58,300 tramadol pills. In Kaduna State, raids in Kachia and Hayin Banki resulted in the arrest of two individuals, Idris Hamza (21) and Aminu Magaji (25), with 4,900 and 2,900 tramadol pills, respectively.
In Kwara State, 40,200 tramadol tablets were confiscated from two suspects, Olowoko Faruk and Akeem Ridwan, along the Ilorin-Jebba expressway. Another seizure of 21,700 tramadol capsules was made along the Eiyenkorin expressway in Ilorin, leading to the arrest of Salisu Usman. In Taraba State, 35-year-old Polycarp Adeku was apprehended with 15.77 kilograms of skunk. A significant operation in Osun State saw the interception of a commercial bus carrying 48.7 kilograms of various cannabis strains (Ghanaian loud, Colorado, and Canadian loud), resulting in the arrest of nine suspects.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, NDLEA officers arrested 58-year-old Ade Esan, known as Pastor, along the Gwagwalada expressway. He was found in possession of 27,800 tramadol pills. Another suspect, 26-year-old Usman Mohammed, was arrested in Abuja with varying quantities of skunk and cocaine. In Abia State, a raid in the Ntigha community led to the arrest of 34-year-old Chinaza Nwogu, alias Young Money, who was found with a significant stash of heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, and over N753,000 in cash.
The NDLEA’s nationwide crackdown demonstrates its commitment to disrupting the drug trade at various levels, from individual traffickers to larger criminal networks. The agency’s efforts target not only major transit hubs like airports and logistics companies but also extend to highways and local communities. The variety of drugs seized, the diverse concealment methods employed, and the wide geographic scope of these operations highlight the scale and complexity of the drug trafficking challenge in Nigeria.
The arrests made during these operations provide valuable intelligence for further investigations, potentially leading to the dismantling of drug trafficking organizations. The NDLEA’s consistent efforts to intercept and seize illicit substances contribute significantly to reducing the supply of drugs, both within Nigeria and internationally. The agency’s vigilance at borders, airports, and transportation routes plays a crucial role in stemming the flow of narcotics and safeguarding public health.
By targeting both small-scale traffickers and larger organized crime groups, the NDLEA aims to weaken the drug trade’s infrastructure. The seizures of large quantities of drugs, along with the arrests of key individuals, represent significant victories in the fight against drug trafficking. These successes send a strong message of deterrence to those involved in the illicit drug trade.
The NDLEA’s proactive approach, coupled with inter-agency collaboration and international cooperation, is crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by drug trafficking. These ongoing efforts demonstrate the agency’s resolve to protect communities from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and to disrupt the criminal networks that profit from this illicit trade.
The NDLEA continues to adapt its strategies to counter evolving smuggling tactics and to address the root causes of drug abuse. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement programs are essential components of a comprehensive approach to drug control. By working with local communities and international partners, the NDLEA strives to create a safer and healthier Nigeria.
These successful operations are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the NDLEA officers. Their commitment to upholding the law and protecting the public from the harms of drug trafficking is commendable. The agency’s ongoing efforts are vital to disrupting the drug trade and creating a safer environment for all Nigerians.
