In a series of high-profile operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted massive quantities of illicit drugs, dismantling smuggling syndicates and arresting suspects across Nigeria. These operations, carried out between December 15 and 18, 2024, underscore the agency’s intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking in the country.
The largest cocaine bust at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) since its NDLEA Command’s establishment in 2006 occurred on December 15. Operatives arrested Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus, a self-proclaimed import-export businessman, who was found with 256 wraps of cocaine weighing 6 kilograms during the inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, commended the officers, stating, “This record-breaking seizure demonstrates our commitment to curbing drug trafficking. Our officers have shown great diligence, and we urge them to remain steadfast in this fight.”
Repeat Offender Arrested at Lagos Airport
At Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), operatives thwarted an attempt by ex-convict Olanrewaju Bada Akorede to export a consignment of rohypnol to South Africa. The drugs were concealed in a shipment of gari, shoes, and men’s clothing. Akorede, previously convicted for a similar offense in December 2023, had paid a fine to secure his release after a two-year sentence.
Italy-Bound Businesswoman Caught with Tramadol
On December 18, Italy-based businesswoman Cynthia Akaeen was intercepted at the Lagos airport while attempting to board a Royal Air Maroc flight. NDLEA officers discovered 9,190 tablets of tramadol weighing 6 kilograms in her luggage. Akaeen admitted she was promised €1,000 to deliver the drugs to Italy.
Massive Warehouse Raid in Onitsha
Acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives raided a warehouse in the building materials market in Onitsha, Anambra State, on December 17. The operation led to the recovery of 418,330 pills of tramadol, tapentadol, and 8,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
Container Seizure at Tincan Island Port
In Lagos, a joint operation at Tincan Island Port involving NDLEA, Customs, DSS, and police uncovered 180,000 bottles of codeine syrup hidden in a container from Mundra, India. The consignee, identified as Makata Emmanuel, was promptly arrested.
Weapons and Drugs Recovered in Maiduguri
A routine operation in Borno State led to the arrest of two suspects, Ishaya Wabba and Samaila Audu, who were found in possession of 293,000 capsules of tramadol, a pistol, and 26 rounds of live ammunition. Separate raids in the state capital, Maiduguri, yielded over 260,000 tramadol capsules and other psychoactive substances.
Other Seizures Across the Country
- In Oyo State, operatives arrested Gafar Saminu with 33.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa.
- Enugu State operatives recovered 94 kilograms of cannabis during a raid on Aria New Market.
- In Lagos, 32 kilograms of ephedrine, a precursor chemical, was seized at a luxury bus park.
War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Intensified
Alongside enforcement actions, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, holding sensitization programs in schools, religious centers, and workplaces. Some of the institutions visited include Wajah Girls Government Day Secondary School, Hong, Adamawa; Government Girls Tahfizul Quran Salihawa, Gwarzo, Kano; and Riyadul Quran Islamiyya School, Bagudo, Kebbi State.
Marwa Calls for Sustained Effort
While commending NDLEA officers across various commands, Marwa urged them to sustain the momentum in both drug supply and demand reduction. “This fight is a marathon, not a sprint. We must remain vigilant and committed to our duty of protecting Nigerians from the scourge of drugs,” he said.