The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled several drug trafficking operations across Nigeria, with arrests made in Abuja, Lagos, and other states, exposing how syndicates are using everyday dispatch riders and unconventional smuggling tactics to distribute illicit substances.
Dispatch Riders Caught Delivering Cannabis in Abuja
In Abuja, NDLEA operatives intercepted three dispatch riders suspected of delivering illegal drugs under the guise of regular courier services. The suspects—24-year-old Sabo Sule, 28-year-old Samuel Nnamdi, and 28-year-old Idris Jibrin—were arrested in coordinated stop-and-search operations across Gwarimpa, Jahi, and Galadimawa. A total of 149.8 grams of Canadian Loud, a highly potent strain of cannabis, was found hidden in their delivery boxes.
“This incident shows the evolving tactics of traffickers who now exploit commercial dispatch services to circulate drugs,” NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said.
Lagos Airport: Cocaine, Tramadol Hidden in Car Mirrors
In a separate operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, NDLEA agents foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs to Gabon. The traffickers had ingeniously concealed cocaine and tramadol pills inside 71 vehicle side mirrors. The consignment, destined for Libreville, was intercepted on July 19, containing 57,420 tramadol 225mg pills and 57 cocaine pellets weighing 1.60kg.
Cargo agent Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict was arrested at the scene. A follow-up investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah, from whom operatives recovered an additional 1kg of cocaine stashed in similar mirrors. This brought the total cocaine haul to 68 parcels, weighing 2.60kg.
Lipstick Drug Concealment Uncovered in Lagos Trade Fair Complex
Further investigations exposed a drug smuggling operation disguised as a cosmetic business. NDLEA operatives arrested Nwafor Nneka at her shop in Lagos Trade Fair Complex after cocaine and phenacetine—a chemical used for cutting cocaine—were found hidden in lipstick containers. The drugs were being prepared for shipment to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
Nneka confessed that she and her husband, Remigus Nwafor, who is currently on the run, had been running the illegal business as a family enterprise. Two cargo agents linked to the shipment had been apprehended earlier.
Nationwide Raids Yield Massive Drug Seizures
On August 1, NDLEA’s nationwide operations netted more arrests and significant drug seizures:
- In Mushin, Lagos, Joseph Michael was arrested with 3.3kg of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis strain.
- Ibrahim Sulaiman was nabbed in Yaba’s Iwaya area with 16.5 litres of skuchies, a psychoactive drink.
- Hussein Yusuf, 37, was caught in Benue State with 100,000 tramadol capsules at a checkpoint along the Vandeikya-Ogoja road.
- In Edo State, a warehouse raid in Ekpoma led to the arrest of William Alabi, 44, and the recovery of 233.5kg of skunk.
Borno, Ogun, Bayelsa, Kano, Osun—No Hiding Place for Traffickers
The NDLEA also intercepted drugs at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, Borno State, where 160 tramadol pills were found hidden in a passenger’s footwear. The passenger, Umar Aminu, 38, was immediately arrested.
In Ogun State, Yahaya Aminat Seyi was caught with 7,218 opioid pills, mostly tramadol, during a raid in Oja Odan. Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, operatives arrested Chief Emeka Opara, 52, and Chidinma Onuoha, 25, in Amassoma. A total of 41,705 tramadol capsules were recovered from their shop and residence.
Kano State also witnessed a major seizure, as Bashir Gambo, 30, was arrested in Tudun Wada LGA with 61kg of skunk. In Osun State, NDLEA operatives stormed Ile-Ogbo in Iwo town, apprehending Kabiru Ayinde, 40, and Roqeeb Adekanmbi, 25. The operation led to the confiscation of 90kg of skunk, 36.3 grams of methamphetamine, a Toyota bus, and ₦228,200 in cash.
NDLEA Intensifies War on Drug Syndicates
Femi Babafemi emphasized that the agency’s latest operations reflect its commitment to outsmarting drug traffickers who continue to innovate new smuggling tactics. “From dispatch riders to lipstick containers, traffickers are using deceptive means, but our operatives are always a step ahead,” he said.