The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking networks across the country, arresting a Malaysian-returnee ex-convict and intercepting multiple high-risk consignments of illicit substances in a sweeping operation spanning Adamawa, Cross River, Kano, Abuja, and Niger State.
Ex-Convict Nabbed with Meth Hidden in Speakers
In Adamawa State, a 41-year-old ex-convict, Ndubuisi Udatu, also known as Richard, was arrested on Monday, 7th April 2025, while travelling in a commercial bus along the Ngurore–Yola Road.
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NDLEA operatives stationed at the Namtari checkpoint discovered four large parcels of methamphetamine weighing 2.7 kilograms ingeniously concealed inside two giant music speakers.
According to the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, Udatu confessed during interrogation that he had recently returned from Malaysia, where he served time in prison for drug trafficking. Rather than reforming, he admitted to resuming his illicit trade in Nigeria, targeting the cities of Yola, Mubi, and cross-border trafficking into Cameroon.
Border Smuggler Caught with Dangerous Opioids
In a separate operation at the Nigeria–Cameroon border in Mfum, Cross River State, a joint task force involving NDLEA and Customs officers intercepted 35-year-old Odoh Peter Ikechukwu with 8,740 ampoules of various opioids, weighing 395kg.
The alarming consignment included:
- 1,080 ampoules of fentanyl injection
- 2,160 ampoules of morphine sulphate
- 3,010 ampoules of phenobarbital sulphate
- 2,160 ampoules of pethidine
- 330 ampoules of midazolam
All drugs were bound for distribution within Nigeria and potentially beyond its borders, posing a serious public health threat.
Massive Tramadol Haul in Kano and Abuja
In Kano, NDLEA officers arrested 27-year-old Aliyu Ibrahim in the Bachirawa area with 20 ATM cards and a staggering 25,600 pills of tramadol (225mg and 250mg variants). A follow-up operation in Gwagwalada, Abuja, led to the arrest of 48-year-old Gambo Lawan, following the seizure of 8,960 tramadol pills during a routine expressway stop.
124kg of Skunk Seized in Niger State
Another major bust occurred on Friday, 11th April, when 58-year-old Ademiluyi Adedapo Collins was intercepted along the Mokwa–Jebba road in Niger State. NDLEA agents discovered 11 jumbo bags of skunk cannabis weighing 124kg, hidden in the boot of a Lexus car marked KTU 54 CU.
War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Continues
While operations intensify, the NDLEA continues to drive community outreach through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. Sensitisation lectures were held in schools such as:
- New Era Secondary School, Nteje (Anambra)
- Promise Land College, Ikotun Egbe (Lagos)
- Cherryfield College, Jikwoyi (FCT)
- Federal Polytechnic, Ayede (Oyo)
- Nurul Faruq Islamic Academy, Gombi (Adamawa)
In Kwara State, the command paid an advocacy visit to Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, to strengthen local awareness.
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NDLEA Boss Commends Nationwide Efforts
The Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the efforts of the commands in Adamawa, Cross River, FCT, Kano, and Niger.
He urged all personnel to remain relentless in the fight against drug syndicates while maintaining a strong focus on reducing public demand for narcotics.
“We must not rest on our oars. The bar must keep rising in our operations, both in dismantling drug cartels and in empowering communities with knowledge through WADA,” Marwa said.
