In a series of significant drug busts, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking across Nigeria. Recent operations at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) and in various locations in Kano and Lagos states have led to the interception of substantial quantities of illicit substances and the arrest of several suspects.

One of the most notable arrests was that of a 42-year-old Indian woman, Ms. Neetu Neetu, at MAKIA. On Friday, March 14, 2025, NDLEA operatives intercepted Neetu as she arrived on Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha. A thorough search of her luggage revealed 72 parcels of heroin, factory-sealed in wafer wraps and disguised as chocolates. The total weight of the seized heroin was 11 kilograms. Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, highlighted that Neetu’s arrest signifies a growing trend among drug trafficking organizations to employ foreign nationals in their attempts to smuggle illicit drugs through Nigerian borders.

Reacting to Neetu’s arrest, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the vigilance of the NDLEA operatives. He noted that the agency’s consistent frustration of these attempts is aided by modern technological tools and proactive intelligence.

In a separate operation in Kano, NDLEA officers arrested 45-year-old Michael Ogundele on Thursday, March 20, along the Zaria-Kano Road. Ogundele was found in possession of a 50-litre steel gas cylinder. Acting on credible intelligence, officers used welding tools to cut open the cylinder, revealing 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed inside.

Further operations in Kano led to the arrest of Sunday Ogar, 40, on Wednesday, March 19, with 27 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. Ogar was apprehended in the Gunduwawa area of Kano. Additionally, Khadijah Abdullahi, 40, was arrested on Tuesday, March 18, with 424 bottles of codeine-based syrup in the Lungun Bulala Yalwa area of the state.

In Lagos State, NDLEA operatives made significant arrests and seizures as well. Olumuyiwa Kolawole and Samod Adisa were apprehended in Mushin with 67.5 kilograms of skunk. In the Anifowoshe area of Mushin, 100.8 kilograms of the same psychoactive substance were recovered from the store of two fleeing suspects. Isah Idris was arrested in Apapa on Tuesday, March 18, with 4.5 kilograms of skunk, 600 grams of tramadol 225mg, and 30 litres of codeine syrup. Another suspect, Yahaya Mohamed, was arrested the same day in the Ikotun area of Lagos with varying quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.

Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the officers and men of MAKIA, Lagos, and Kano Commands for their outstanding performance in these operations. He expressed satisfaction with the balance in the agency’s drug supply and demand reduction efforts nationwide and urged them to maintain their vigilance and commitment.

These successful interdiction operations underscore the NDLEA’s proactive approach in curbing drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. The agency’s efforts not only focus on intercepting illicit substances but also on preventing their entry into the country and reducing the demand through social advocacy and awareness programs.