The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a complex web of drug smuggling attempts across Nigeria, intercepting multiple consignments of cocaine, tramadol, cannabis, and other narcotics ingeniously concealed in everyday items such as lipsticks, vehicle side mirrors, and footwears.
The nationwide sting operations, which spanned Lagos, Abuja, and several other states, led to multiple arrests and the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs, according to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, a major bust revealed 57,420 pills of tramadol (225mg) and 57 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.60kg, all cleverly hidden inside 71 vehicle side mirrors. The consignment, destined for Libreville, Gabon, was intercepted on July 19, leading to the arrest of a cargo agent, Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict.
Further investigations led NDLEA operatives to the residence of Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah, where they discovered an additional 11 parcels of cocaine weighing 1kg. This brought the total cocaine haul from the operation to 2.60kg across 68 parcels.
In another case of creative concealment, NDLEA operatives arrested Mrs Nwafor Roseann Nneka, a businesswoman at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, linked to a July 10 attempt to ship cocaine and phenacetine to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, hidden in ladies’ lipsticks. Her husband, Remigus Nwafor, who is allegedly an accomplice, is currently on the run.
In the Federal Capital Territory, three dispatch riders—Sabo Sule (24), Samuel Nnamdi (28), and Idris Jibrin (28)—were apprehended while distributing 149.8 grams of Canadian Loud, a high-grade cannabis variant, across Gwarimpa, Jahi, and Galadimawa. Additionally, two individuals were arrested on the Abaji-Gwagwalada expressway with 91.1kg of skunk.
A broader sweep of state operations revealed more arrests and seizures:
- 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 (a mixture of hard drugs).
- Benue: Hussein Yusuf (37) was arrested at a checkpoint with 100,000 tramadol capsules.
- Edo: Operatives seized 233.5kg of skunk from a warehouse in Ekpoma, arresting William Alabi (44).
- Borno: At Maiduguri airport, Umar Aminu (38) was found with 160 tramadol pills hidden in footwears.
- Ogun: Yahaya Aminat Seyi was caught in Oja Odan with 7,218 opioid pills.
- Oyo: Oladeji Saka was arrested in Ibadan with 77.5kg of skunk.
- Delta: In Abraka, Benson Izah (40) was arrested with skunk, tramadol, and 14.4 litres of codeine.
- Bayelsa: Chief Emeka Opara (52) and Onuoha Chidinma (25) were arrested in Amassoma with 41,705 tramadol capsules.
- Kano: Bashir Gambo (30) was caught with 61kg of skunk.
- Osun: In Ile-Ogbo, Iwo, Kabiru Ayinde (40) and Roqeeb Adekanmbi (25) were arrested with 90kg of skunk, 36.3 grams of methamphetamine, a Toyota bus, and ₦228,200 in cash.
In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign, reaching out to schools, transport hubs, religious centres, and royal palaces. Among the highlights was a visit to the Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdurasheed Adewale Akanbi.
Commending the efforts of officers across MMIA, MBIAM, the FCT, and state commands, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised their commitment and urged them to maintain a balanced approach that combines enforcement with prevention and rehabilitation.
These coordinated operations reinforce the agency's determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks while also addressing the root causes of substance abuse in Nigeria.