Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in the war against narcotics trafficking as over 5 tonnes of illegal substances, including cannabis, cocaine, codeine, and tramadol, were seized during operations across the country.
These actions are part of the ongoing “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) campaign aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and reinforcing the country’s anti-narcotics efforts.
Among the most notable seizures were the interception of over 2 tonnes of cannabis in January 2025 by the NDLEA. In a nighttime operation in Abuja, the authorities confiscated 2.2 tonnes of cannabis from six vehicles, leading to the arrest of a suspect.
Additionally, in Lagos, 1,540 kg of cannabis were seized, significantly disrupting local distribution networks. In Port Harcourt, the collaboration with customs officials resulted in the confiscation of 338,000 bottles of codeine syrup, valued at approximately $1.4 million.
In addition to the more common drugs, the NDLEA also intercepted a package containing 330 grammes of cocaine hidden in facial cream containers, destined for Australia.
This highlights the increasing sophistication of smuggling techniques.
The NDLEA’s efforts also led to several high-profile arrests of influential figures in the narcotics trade. On December 27, 2024, Nigerian filmmaker Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe was arrested in Lekki for orchestrating the importation of 17.3 kg of cannabis from the United States, along with his alleged accomplice Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James.
In Lagos, on January 1, 2025, Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, known as “Iya Ruka”, was arrested after 1,540 kg of cannabis were seized.
On January 19, Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, a nursing student, was apprehended at Kano Airport while attempting to ingest 76 cocaine packages for a flight to India. A co-conspirator, Cosmas Okorie, was also arrested on the Okene-Lokoja highway with an additional shipment of the same quantity of cocaine hidden in a speaker.
The NDLEA also dismantled international drug trafficking networks, including the “Barryshine” network, led by Sulaiman Ganiu Aremu, involved in the exportation of cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The agency also seized about 200,000 tramadol tablets, underscoring the strong demand for this opioid medication in the local market.
In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA continues its national awareness campaigns, educating the public about the dangers of drug consumption and trafficking.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retired) has praised the results, emphasizing the need to maintain pressure on criminal networks and further strengthen public awareness efforts to eliminate the drug problem.
AC/sf/lb/gik/APA
