The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing fight against drug trafficking, seizing an astonishing 9,939kg of illicit drugs across six states in Nigeria, including Niger, Edo, Anambra, Ondo, Lagos, and Kano.
Major Seizures and Arrests
In a statement released by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy for NDLEA, the agency detailed the operations that led to these substantial seizures.
On January 26, NDLEA operatives intercepted a long truck marked T31589 LA along the Dei-Dei Abuja expressway in Niger. Acting on credible intelligence, they apprehended three suspects transporting 176 bags of skunk—an illicit strain of cannabis—totaling 2,735 kilograms, alongside 1 kilogram of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis variant. Investigations revealed that the truck had left Lagos on January 23, loaded with 800 bags of flour destined for Ekpoma, Edo State, before the driver negotiated a deal to transport the drugs for N1.7 million.
In another operation, NDLEA operatives in Edo State arrested a suspect on the Auchi-Abuja express road while attempting to find transport for 66 bags of skunk concealed in bags of charcoal, weighing a total of 792kg.
Cannabis Farm Raided
Additionally, on January 28, NDLEA agents, supported by Nigerian Army personnel, raided a cannabis farm in Ebora camp, Ilushi, located in the Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. Here, they destroyed 4,063.675kg of skunk cultivated on over 1.6 hectares, seizing 328kg of processed cannabis and seeds, along with several arrests made at the site.
Operations in Anambra and Ondo
In Anambra State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a cement truck at Upper Iweka Onitsha, which was en route to Nkpor. A search revealed 345.2kg of skunk concealed within bags of cement, owned by 42-year-old Abum Okeke, one of the truck’s occupants.
In Ondo State, two suspects were apprehended on January 30 in Eleyewo community, linked to the seizure of 473kg of skunk. Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Kano State arrested another suspect on Murtala Mohammed Way, recovering 12,500 ampoules of Pentazocine, a powerful analgesic.
Additional Arrests and Seizures
On January 30, in the Gaya area of Kano, 42-year-old Musa Shuaibu was arrested with 4,390 pills of tramadol. Moreover, NDLEA operatives apprehended a suspected drug trafficker at Okeyson park in Alaba, Lagos, with 15.5kg of skunk destined for Onitsha, Anambra State.
In a separate incident, 3.5kg of skunk was discovered concealed within a sound system and two packets of cereal in the luggage of a suspect arriving at the Seme border in Badagry from Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Commendation from NDLEA Chairman
Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), Chairman of the NDLEA, praised the officers involved in these operations for their professionalism and dedication. He encouraged them and their colleagues nationwide to maintain a balanced approach to drug supply and demand reduction efforts, emphasising the importance of their work in combating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
### Conclusion
The NDLEA’s recent operations highlight the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens. With the seizure of nearly 10,000kg of illicit substances, the NDLEA continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in tackling this pressing issue, showcasing the importance of intelligence-led operations in the fight against drug-related crimes.
This extensive effort not only underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking but also reflects the agency’s determination to enhance the security and well-being of the Nigerian populace. As the NDLEA continues its rigorous operations, the public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to assist in these efforts.
