In a series of operations conducted across Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made several significant arrests and seizures, demonstrating its commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse. These operations, which took place between March 31st and April 6th, 2025, targeted individuals involved in the smuggling, distribution, and sale of various illicit substances.

One of the most notable incidents occurred at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, where NDLEA operatives apprehended two brothers, John Abugu, 43, and Kenneth Abugu, 31. The brothers were attempting to board a flight to India when they were found to be in possession of 5 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the walls of their suitcases. According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA's Director of Media and Advocacy, the arrest was made on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, following the proactive processing of credible intelligence. The brothers claimed they were traveling to India for medical treatment; however, a thorough search of their luggage revealed the hidden cocaine.

In a separate incident at the same airport, NDLEA officers intercepted Parker Darren Hazekia Osei, a 20-year-old Ghanaian-British man, on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. Osei was found with 36 parcels of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 19.40 kilograms. The drugs were packed in a large traveling bag. Osei, who claimed to be a computer science student at East London University in the UK, was arrested during the inward clearance of passengers arriving on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand. He stated that he resides with his parents in the UK but had traveled to Bangkok a week prior to pick up the drug consignment for delivery in Nigeria.

In Abia State, NDLEA officers conducted a raid at Umunteke Asa, Ukwa West LGA, on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, where they arrested Nna Nnanna Felix, a 75-year-old man, with 1.6 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis. Additionally, on Tuesday, April 1st, David Chinemerem, 21, was apprehended at 7 Nnajiego Lane, Umuode Road, Aba, with 2,050 ampoules of pentazocine.

Meanwhile, in Kogi State, Ngozi Ogili, a 33-year-old woman, was arrested on Monday, March 31st, 2025, while transporting 3 kilograms of methamphetamine from Lagos to Abuja. She was intercepted in a commercial transport bus along the Okene-Lokoja highway. A follow-up operation at her delivery point in the Apo mechanic area of Abuja resulted in the seizure of quantities of Loud and Colorado, both synthetic strains of cannabis.

Further operations led to the seizure of 381 bottles of codeine syrup and 108 tablets of tramadol from Abdullahi Adamu along the Potiskum-Damaturu road, Yobe State, on Saturday, April 5th, 2025. Raids at Osogbo motor park, Onitsha, and a house in Idemili LGA of Anambra State resulted in the arrest of Obinna Sunday and the confiscation of 195,000 pills of tramadol. Ugochukwu Ojalanonye was also arrested during the motor park raid with 4.2 kilograms of codeine syrup and 5.4 kilograms of pentazocine.

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), NDLEA operatives arrested Sunday Ayogu, 51, on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at Wuse Market, Abuja, with 25 kilograms of skunk and 90.4 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, on Friday, April 4th, Faith Effiong Etim, 64, and Victoria Asuquo Etim, 40, were apprehended during a raid on cannabis plantations in Esuk-Odot community, Odukpani LGA of Cross River State, where approximately 250,000 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed across over 100 hectares of farmland.

In response to these successful operations, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men of the MMIA, SOU, Yobe, Abia, Kogi, Anambra, Cross River, and FCT Commands of the Agency. He praised their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts, emphasizing the importance of their continued vigilance and dedication in the fight against drug abuse.

The NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities across the country, reaching out to schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking. These efforts include enlightenment lectures and community outreach programs aimed at preventing drug use and promoting a drug-free society.