In a series of coordinated midnight raids, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized large quantities of illicit drugs, arrested multiple suspects, and dismantled drug trafficking operations across various states in Nigeria.
Major Bust in Abuja
A 40-foot trailer loaded with 2,217.6 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, was intercepted by NDLEA operatives in Kagini, Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The trailer had been parked at an abandoned fuel station where the skunk was being redistributed into six vehicles for transportation to northern states.
The operation, conducted at 1:20 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2025, also led to the seizure of six vehicles, including a Toyota Van, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna, JAC Hilux truck, Toyota Corolla, and a Vento Passat. A suspect, 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond, was arrested during the raid. The consignment had reportedly been loaded in Uzebba, Edo State.
Cocaine Concealed in Face Cream Bottles
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) uncovered 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330 grams. The drugs, concealed in face cream containers, were part of a cargo destined for Australia.
Rivers: Codeine Worth Over N1.1 Billion Intercepted
A massive shipment of 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup valued at over N1.19 billion was intercepted in Rivers State. The drugs were discovered during joint container examinations by NDLEA operatives, Customs, and other security agencies at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne. The containers had been flagged based on intelligence reports.
Arrest of Traditional Priest Linked to Drug Syndicate
The NDLEA also apprehended Bariu Aliu, the traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine in Ajah, Lagos. Aliu, also known as “Malo,” was the leader of a syndicate involved in drug trafficking. He had been on the run since October 2024, when operatives seized 2,760 kilograms of skunk at his shrine. Two of his accomplices were earlier arrested, charged, and convicted.
Raids in Kano
In Kano, a 23-year-old suspect, Habibu Ya’u, was arrested during a raid at Gadar Tamburawa on Zaria Road. NDLEA officers recovered 24.2 kilograms of cannabis and 40,800 pills of opioids, including tramadol, during the operation on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Ongoing Advocacy Efforts
Alongside enforcement, the NDLEA intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns. Advocacy activities were carried out in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities. Highlights included lectures at Ijaye Housing Estate Junior Secondary School in Lagos, engagement with surrendered Boko Haram members in Maiduguri, and an advocacy visit to Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, District Head of Danbatta in Kano.
Leadership Commendation
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers involved in these operations for their dedication and success. “Your balanced approach to drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts is highly appreciated,” he stated.
These operations reflect the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse across Nigeria, ensuring a safer future for its citizens.