NDLEA Intercepts UK, Italy, Turkey, Qatar-Bound Drug Consignments in Lagos, Abuja
LAGOS, NIGERIA – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted multiple attempts by drug syndicates to export large consignments of illicit drugs through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja. The intercepted drugs, which were destined for the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, and Qatar, included cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids. Several suspects linked to the consignments have been arrested.
Major Drug Seizures and Arrests
On November 5, NDLEA operatives at the export shed of MMIA intercepted 13 parcels of cocaine weighing 4.40kg, concealed in a shipment bound for the UK via Frankfurt on a Lufthansa Airlines flight. Following investigations, a businessman identified as Ekeocha Anayo Nelson was tracked and arrested on November 8.
Similarly, on November 11, another suspect, Adegbite Solomon, also known as "Obama," was arrested at the Lagos airport while attempting to smuggle 7,800 pills of tramadol, 180 tablets of rohypnol, and 60 bottles of codeine to Italy. The drugs were hidden in food items. Solomon, who claimed to have previously lived in Europe as a street beggar, confessed to recently venturing into the logistics business.
In another operation, NDLEA operatives apprehended Anoke Kingsley Roomy at MMIA’s Terminal 1 on November 15 while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Istanbul, Turkey. He was found with 1,100 pills of tramadol 225mg hidden in his luggage.
Raid on Abuja Hotel and Further Arrests
Acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA officers from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) and the FCT Command raided a hotel room at the Federal Housing Authority Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, on November 15. During the operation, two suspects, Omeh Uchenna Jude (36) and Anene Valentine Chigozie (34), were arrested with 1.8kg of methamphetamine, which they were allegedly preparing to transport to Qatar.
Another suspect, Akande Moruf Olasunkanmi, was also arrested with 1.8kg of methamphetamine at his residence in Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
Interstate and Cross-Border Smuggling Foiled
On November 16, NDLEA operatives intercepted a trans-border trafficker, Emmanuel Okechukwu Okeke, while attempting to smuggle 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg from Ghana into Lagos. The drugs were concealed in body compartments of a Toyota Hummer Bus belonging to GUO Transport Company. The vehicle was stopped at Ijanikin along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
In Edo State, NDLEA officers raided several locations, seizing a total of 997kg of cannabis. The recoveries included 680kg in a bush path leading to Oghada Forest, 180.5kg from a suspect, Cecilia Ibe (31), in Ofosu Forest, and 136.5kg from a building in Otuo community, Owan East LGA.
In separate operations, officers arrested Ifejimagha Chinonso with 88.3kg of cannabis along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on November 13, while in Kano, Ahmed Goni (30) was apprehended with 65,730 tramadol capsules at Gadar Tamburawa along the Kano-Zaria Road on November 15.
Further arrests were made in Kwara and Imo states, where Adio Sulaiman was caught with 120.8kg of cannabis and codeine in Ilorin, while Kelechi Obichere (42) was nabbed with 75kg of cannabis in Owerri West LGA. Additionally, in Ibadan, Oyo State, NDLEA operatives seized 563.74kg of cannabis from a 60-year-old suspect, Anthony Anakabi, at Iyalode, Iyana Church area.
NDLEA’s Commitment to Drug Control
Beyond its enforcement operations, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign across the country, educating students, workers, and community members on the dangers of drug abuse. Awareness lectures were conducted in schools across Adamawa, Rivers, Benue, Sokoto, Kano, Anambra, and Lagos states.
Commending the operatives for their commitment, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the agency’s efforts in combating drug trafficking and reducing both drug supply and demand in Nigeria.
The NDLEA remains resolute in its mission to curb drug-related crimes and ensure a drug-free society.
