- Two suspects arrested as NDLEA seizes cocaine, tramadol, and skunk in nationwide raids
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted multiple drug shipments concealed in creative disguises, including prayer beads, board games, and clothing, destined for the United States, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Poland.
In a statement on Sunday 16th March 2025, Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja Femi Babafemi said the seizures, made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and various logistics companies, are part of the agency’s intensified efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating within and outside Nigeria.
He said at least two suspects have been arrested in connection with the seized shipments. The agency also carried out extensive raids across Kano, Kwara, Kaduna, Taraba, Abia, Osun, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), resulting in the recovery of large quantities of narcotics and the arrest of multiple suspects.
Major Arrests and Seizures at Lagos Airport
NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted a series of drug consignments between March 8 and March 12, 2025. One of the key suspects arrested was Jakpor Egware May, a 43-year-old businesswoman. She was apprehended at the Gate ‘C’ departure hall of the airport on Saturday, March 8, while attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy.
Upon searching her luggage, NDLEA officers discovered 190 parcels of tramadol (225mg) and an additional parcel of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. In her statement, May admitted to purchasing the drugs herself and confessed that her intention was to resell them in Italy.
In a related operation on Tuesday, March 11, NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Lagos airport arrested Yahaya Fatai Ayinla, a 60-year-old suspect, while he was trying to ship a cargo containing clothing used to conceal 400 grams of skunk to New York, United States of America.
Further seizures were made at various logistics companies in Lagos, where drug traffickers had attempted to export over two kilograms of illegal substances, including Loud (a potent strain of cannabis), Molly (MDMA), and Tramadol (365mg and 225mg), hidden in Vitamin C bottles and female clothing. NDLEA operatives also intercepted 230 grams of cocaine concealed in prayer beads, the soles of locally made shoes, and packs of board games. These shipments were destined for Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates and were seized between Monday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 12.
Nationwide Raids and Seizures
In addition to the operations at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives carried out a series of successful raids across various states, leading to the recovery of large drug consignments and the arrest of suspects involved in drug trafficking.
Kano State
On Wednesday, March 12, NDLEA officers in Kano arrested Hassan Haruna, a 40-year-old suspect, at the Chalawa area of the state. A total of 727 blocks of compressed skunk, weighing 479kg, were recovered from him.
Kogi State
On Tuesday, March 11, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus along the Kabba-Obajana highway in Kogi State. The bus was traveling from Lagos to Abuja when officers discovered 58,300 pills of tramadol concealed in the vehicle.
Kaduna State
Two major arrests were made in Kaduna State. On Thursday, March 13, NDLEA officers arrested Idris Hamza, 21, in Kachia with 4,900 pills of tramadol (225mg). On Friday, March 14, another suspect, Aminu Magaji, 25, was arrested in the Hayin Banki area of Kaduna North LGA with 2,900 tablets of tramadol (225mg).
Kwara State
In Kwara State, NDLEA operatives arrested Olowoko Faruk and Akeem Ridwan along the Ilorin-Jebba expressway at Bode Saadu on Friday, March 14. A total of 40,200 tablets of tramadol (225mg) were recovered from them. Additionally, on Thursday, March 13, NDLEA officers seized 21,700 capsules of the same opioid from a suspect named Salisu Usman along the Eiyenkorin expressway in Ilorin.
Taraba State
On Friday, March 14, NDLEA operatives in Taraba State arrested Polycarp Adeku, 35, at Bente Road, Kurmi LGA. He was found in possession of 15.77kg of skunk.
Osun State
In Osun State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus marked SGB 564 YS on Thursday, March 13. The bus was coming from Idumota, Lagos Island and was stopped in front of King University, Ode-Omu. A total of 48.7kg of Ghanaian Loud, Colorado, and Canadian Loud (all strains of cannabis) were recovered. Nine suspects were arrested in follow-up operations in Osogbo and Ile-Ife.
FCT Abuja
On Tuesday, March 11, a 58-year-old suspect, Ade Esan (also known as “Pastor”), was arrested along the Gwagwalada expressway in the Federal Capital Territory with 27,800 pills of tramadol (225mg). On the same day, NDLEA officers also arrested Usman Mohammed, 26, in the Wuse Zone 3 area of Abuja with various quantities of skunk and cocaine.
Abia State
In Abia State, NDLEA operatives raided the Ntigha community in Isiala-Ngwa North LGA on Saturday, March 15. A 34-year-old suspect, Chinaza Nwogu (also known as “Young Money”), was arrested with a large stash of narcotics, including 274 grams of heroin, 141 grams of methamphetamine, 2.931kg of cannabis sativa, 4 grams of cocaine, and ₦753,015 in cash.
Nationwide Anti-Drug Campaigns
The NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities nationwide. Awareness lectures were conducted at schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking. Some of the schools where WADA lectures were held include:
- U.P.E School, Ilara Epe, Lagos
- Government Day Secondary School, Jigalambu, Michika, Adamawa State
- Agbegi High Grammar School, Dekina, Kogi State
- Capital City Secondary School, Awka, Anambra State
- Eso-Obe Comprehensive High School, Ikoro Ekiti, Ekiti State
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the officers and men of the MMIA, DOGI, Kano, Kwara, Kaduna, Taraba, Abia, Osun, and FCT Commands for their dedication and success in the recent operations. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to a balanced strategy of reducing both drug supply and demand across the country.
“The operational successes achieved in the past week underscore the determination of NDLEA to frustrate the activities of drug trafficking networks and protect the health and safety of Nigerians,” Marwa stated.
