Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recorded a string of major drug interceptions across Nigeria, arresting multiple suspects and seizing large quantities of cocaine, cannabis, tramadol and synthetic substances in coordinated operations nationwide.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, NDLEA officers arrested a China-based Nigerian businessman, Ibeanu Vincent Chukwudulue, 34, on February 4 while boarding a Qatar Airways flight to China via Doha. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives conducted a body scan which confirmed ingestion of illicit drugs.
He subsequently excreted 52 pellets of cocaine weighing 735.95 grams during observation.
Ibeanu, who said he previously traded on Lagos Island before relocating to Guangzhou, China in 2024, was intercepted while attempting to traffic the drugs out of the country.
In a related development, two Angolan nationals — Mbandu Martins Makiadi, 50, and Ngoma Wilson Fernando, 52 — were apprehended at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport during outward clearance for an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Istanbul via Addis Ababa. After testing positive in body scans, the duo excreted a combined 184 wraps of cocaine. Mbandu expelled 76 pellets weighing 920 grams, while Ngoma discharged 108 pellets weighing 1.33 kilograms.
The suspects, both from Luanda, Angola, claimed they were recruited by a spare parts dealer who promised them $3,000 each upon successful delivery in Turkey.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, foiled an attempt by a convicted drug kingpin, Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, to export 1.10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in garri to London on a Virgin Atlantic flight.
Oladimeji, currently serving a five-year jail term at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre following his 2025 conviction for attempting to export 17.90kg of cocaine, allegedly coordinated the new trafficking scheme from prison using his company, Dimeji Express Logistics. A staff member, Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan, who presented the consignment for export, was arrested, and investigations revealed the plot was orchestrated from behind bars.
Similarly, NDLEA thwarted another export attempt involving 1.70kg of skunk hidden in jerry cans destined for the United Kingdom. The principal suspect, estate surveyor Adelaja Taiwo Adetayo, was later arrested following the apprehension of a cargo agent.
In Abuja, operatives intercepted a consignment from Enugu containing children’s toy guitars used to conceal 59.2 grams of Canadian Loud cannabis. The owner, Henry Onuma, was arrested in Life Camp after a follow-up operation.
In Lagos, NDLEA raided a duplex in Ikate-Elegushi, Lekki, used for producing synthetic cannabis known as Colorado. Thirteen kilograms of the substance, along with precursor chemicals, were recovered. The operation followed the seizure of 73 cartons of nitrous oxide along the Ajah–Epe Expressway.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, a suspected female drug dealer, Oluwayemisi Bunmi, 45, was arrested at Hope Alakia with various quantities of Colos, skunk, methamphetamine, ₦2.97 million in cash, and two vehicles recovered.
Further seizures include 105,400 tramadol pills recovered from a suspect in Kwara State, and 563.5 kilograms of skunk seized from five suspects during a raid on a forest camp in Edo State.
Across the country, NDLEA also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign in schools and communities, including Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso; Government Day Secondary School, Yola; and Ajumoni Senior Secondary School, Mushin, Lagos, among others.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers across commands for their professionalism and urged sustained efforts in balancing drug supply reduction with demand reduction strategies.
