The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted large quantities of cocaine, tramadol, and other illicit drugs cleverly hidden in vehicle parts, cosmetics, and footwears during separate operations across Lagos, Abuja, and several states.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the seizures led to multiple arrests following successful raids and investigations.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, operatives uncovered a consignment heading to Libreville, Gabon, which contained 57,420 pills of tramadol (225mg) and 57 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.60kg, all concealed in 71 vehicle side mirrors.
The bust, which took place on July 19, led to the arrest of a cargo agent, Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict. Further investigations also led to the arrest of one Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah, at whose residence another 11 parcels of cocaine weighing 1kg were recovered—bringing the total haul to 2.60kg in 68 parcels.
In a related operation, NDLEA operatives apprehended a businesswoman, Mrs Nwafor Roseann Nneka, at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos. She was linked to a July 10 consignment of cocaine and phenacetine hidden inside ladies’ lipsticks and destined for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
Earlier, two cargo agents were arrested in connection with the case. Mrs Nneka reportedly confessed to buying the lipsticks used for concealment. However, her husband and suspected accomplice, Remigus Nwafor, is currently on the run.
In Abuja, three dispatch riders—Sabo Sule (24), Samuel Nnamdi (28), and Idris Jibrin (28)—were caught delivering 149.8 grams of Canadian Loud, a high-grade cannabis strain, in Gwarimpa, Jahi, and Galadimawa. Two other suspects were also arrested on the Abaji-Gwagwalada expressway with 91.1kg of skunk.
The NDLEA also recorded more arrests and seizures in other states:
In Lagos, Joseph Michael was caught in Mushin with 3.3kg of Colorado, while Ibrahim Sulaiman was arrested in Yaba with 16.5 litres of “skuchies”.
In Benue, Hussein Yusuf (37) was arrested at a checkpoint with 100,000 tramadol capsules.
Edo State operatives raided a warehouse in Ekpoma and recovered 233.5kg of skunk, arresting one William Alabi (44).
At the Maiduguri airport in Borno State, Umar Aminu (38) was caught with 160 tramadol pills hidden in shoes.
In Ogun, Yahaya Aminat Seyi was arrested with 7,218 opioid pills in the Oja Odan area.
In Oyo, 77.5kg of skunk was recovered from one Oladeji Saka in Ibadan.
In Delta, one Benson Izah (40) was caught in Abraka with skunk, tramadol, and 14.4 litres of codeine.
In Bayelsa, Chief Emeka Opara (52) and Onuoha Chidinma (25) were arrested in Amassoma with 41,705 tramadol capsules.
In Kano, Bashir Gambo (30) was arrested with 61kg of skunk.
In Osun, Kabiru Ayinde (40) and Roqeeb Adekanmbi (25) were arrested in Ile-Ogbo, Iwo, with 90kg of skunk, 36.3 grams of methamphetamine, a Toyota bus, and ₦228,200 in cash.
Meanwhile, the agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns in schools, religious institutions, motor parks, and palaces. One of the latest community visits was to the palace of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurasheed Adewale Akanbi.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s operatives in Lagos, Abuja, and across the states for their dedication. He urged them to sustain efforts in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse through balanced enforcement and public enlightenment.
