By HeapNews
In a series of sweeping operations across Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled two extensive cross-border drug trafficking syndicates, seizing cocaine, opioids, and other narcotics valued in billions of naira and arresting six high-ranking cartel leaders. Following months of intelligence gathering and targeted surveillance, NDLEA operatives intercepted major drug consignments in multiple states, targeting trafficking hubs and routes used by the cartels.
The syndicates, comprising Nigerian and Cameroonian operatives based in Mubi (Adamawa), Onitsha (Anambra), and Lagos, were found to be major suppliers to terror groups operating in Nigeria and Cameroon. NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa hailed the crackdown as a “significant disruption to drug distribution networks feeding terror activities.”
Key Arrests and Seizures:
In a notable operation on October 8, operatives trailed syndicate leaders Ibrahim Bawuro and Najib Ibrahim from Onitsha to Taraba, arresting them after they abandoned a Toyota Avensis loaded with 276,500 tramadol pills along the Jalingo-Yola expressway. Intelligence revealed the duo sourced psychoactive substances like tramadol from a dealer in Onitsha, concealing them in false compartments for transport to the North and Cameroon. Additional arrests followed in Delta and Anambra, capturing Ezeh Amaechi Martin and Udechukwu Nelson Anayo, two key associates.
Another syndicate leader, Adejumo Elijah Ishola, was intercepted on November 5 at Seme border carrying 3.3 kilograms of cocaine and 600 grams of synthetic cannabis on his way from Ghana. This arrest marked the culmination of months of intelligence and surveillance on Ishola’s cross-border criminal operations.
At Apapa seaport in Lagos, NDLEA seized a staggering 31.75 million pills of the controlled opioid Voltron on November 6. The pills, disguised as diclofenac sodium tablets, were shipped from India. “The volume of drugs intercepted at Apapa is a testament to our ongoing commitment to collaboration with Customs and other security agencies,” Marwa emphasized.
Operations Across Nigeria:
On November 5, operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) intercepted a package containing 700 grams of a potent cannabis strain known as “Loud.” A software engineer, Olu Marshal, who arrived to collect the package, was arrested, and a search of his residence in Lekki yielded drug paraphernalia, including a cannabis crusher. On November 8, another suspect, Orji Ogbonna Nnaorji, attempted to export 32.5 kilograms of codeine syrup and 5.7 kilograms of cannabis to London, concealed in tiger nuts cargo. His arrest in Ajao Estate, Lagos, followed.
In Kwara, the NDLEA seized over 162,800 opioid pills during operations on November 8. Notably, 112,200 tramadol tablets were confiscated from Wahab Alao Saliu in Ilorin, while additional pills were recovered from three other suspects. In Abuja, a truck concealing 755.5 kilograms of cannabis under empty noodle cartons was intercepted along the Abaji-Kwali road. The truck driver, Lukman Rasheed, admitted to picking up the load in Ondo.
Further arrests included Yusuf Abubakar, found with 156.95 kilograms of cannabis in Taraba on November 4, and 245 additional blocks seized in Wukari-Ibi. In Jos, operatives detained Hamza Yakubu and Abdulra’uf Danjuma with 113 cannabis blocks, weighing 141 kilograms, on November 6. Additionally, a Chadian national, Hassan Muhammad Ali, was caught on the Zaria-Kano road with 3,000 tramadol pills.
Massive Cannabis Seizures:
In Kaduna, Ibrahim Adamu was arrested on November 6 with 338.8 kilograms of cannabis, and in Edo, NDLEA recovered over a ton of cannabis in two locations. Ondo operations netted multiple arrests, including Friday Daniel and three others apprehended with 672 kilograms of cannabis, while 4.9 tons were seized from Musibau Kosama in Akure on November 6.
WADA Advocacy and Sensitization Efforts:
Meanwhile, NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued nationwide with lectures and visits to schools, workplaces, and community centers. Recent sensitizations included schools across Lagos, Cross River, Oyo, Sokoto, Anambra, and advocacy visits to traditional rulers, including the Oba of Benin.
Chairman Marwa commended the collaborative efforts of NDLEA’s Directorate of Intelligence, Special Investigation Unit, and regional commands. “Our officers have shown exceptional resolve in these arrests and seizures,” he said. “This operation underscores our commitment to dismantling drug networks and preventing the spread of drug abuse.”