Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a major drug trafficking network in a series of coordinated operations across the country, arresting multiple suspects—including a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor—and seizing large quantities of illicit substances.
The week-long, intelligence-led crackdown spanned Abia, Kano, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Niger, Edo, Borno and the Federal Capital Territory, highlighting the scale and complexity of Nigeria’s illicit drug trade.
Among the most striking arrests was that of 93-year-old Friday Chigbu, apprehended at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, where 7.7 kilogrammes of skunk were recovered. The suspect reportedly told investigators he had used cannabis since 1959 and only recently ventured into distribution.
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives foiled an international cocaine trafficking attempt at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. An Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, was intercepted while attempting to board a flight to Milan, Italy, after ingesting 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilogrammes. He was allegedly promised €5,000 upon successful delivery.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Chudi Ofomata, in Ogun State. Authorities allege that he coordinated the trafficking operation, including logistics for the courier. Controlled substances, including promazepam and promethazine injections, were recovered from his residence.
Across the states, NDLEA recorded multiple seizures and arrests. In Niger State, a couple was apprehended after 118 kilogrammes of skunk were discovered in their home. In Ogun State, three suspects were arrested with 34 kilogrammes of cannabis in Sango-Ota, while in Imo State, a 26-year-old woman was intercepted with 56.2 kilogrammes along the Onitsha–Owerri road.
In Borno State, officers seized large consignments of Rohypnol tablets, codeine syrup and pentazocine injections concealed in a trailer transporting spare parts. In Lagos, operatives recovered 15 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis, popularly known as “Scottish Loud,” from a commercial bus, and uncovered 26,800 bottles of codeine syrup in Mushin.
In Abuja, eight suspects were arrested during a raid on a known drug hub, with over 11 kilogrammes of skunk recovered.
The largest single seizure occurred in Edo State, where NDLEA operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a combined 7,245 kilogrammes of skunk concealed among cartons of beer. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment, which was reportedly bound for Abuja.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said the agency continues to complement enforcement efforts with its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, targeting schools, motor parks and communities with sensitisation programmes.
Chairman of the agency, Buba Marwa, commended officers for the successful operations, emphasising the need to sustain both supply reduction efforts and preventive education in the fight against drug abuse.
