The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its efforts in the fight against drug trafficking, leading to multiple arrests and significant seizures across Nigeria. Among the latest operations, a 42-year-old Angolan businessman was caught attempting to smuggle cocaine, while several other suspects were apprehended in different states for drug-related offences.
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Angolan Businessman Arrested at Kano Airport
NDLEA operatives arrested Mbala Dajou Abuba, an Angolan businessman, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
The 42-year-old was caught attempting to traffic 1.829 kilograms of cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey, via Egypt Air flight MS 880 through Cairo.
A body scan confirmed that he had ingested 120 pellets of cocaine, prompting officials to place him under excretion observation. Over several excretions, the illicit substances were recovered.
During interrogation, Abuba admitted to previously running a township delivery business in Angola before engaging in drug trafficking. His arrest is part of NDLEA’s intensified surveillance at Nigerian airports.
NDLEA Foils More Drug Trafficking Attempts
Cocaine Smuggling to Angola Thwarted
- Suspect: Okeke Ebuka Igwe
- Incident Date: Monday, 24 February 2025
- Location: Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos
- Details: Attempted to send 1.10kg of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.
- Claim: He is an auto parts dealer at ASPANDA, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
Massive Cocaine Seizure in Imo State
- Suspect: Ezechi Iyke Cyprian
- Incident Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025
- Location: En route to Owerri, Imo State
- Details: Found transporting 5.40kg of cocaine in a Toyota Sienna bus.
- Action: Arrested after weeks of intelligence and surveillance.
Large Drug Shipments Discovered in Lagos
128 Parcels of Canadian Loud Seized at Tincan Seaport
- Incident Date: Friday, 28 February 2025
- Location: Tincan Seaport, Lagos
- Details: 63.75kg of Canadian Loud (a strong strain of cannabis) concealed in two mattresses inside a Toyota Venza imported from Canada.
- Suspect: Bamidele Joseph, 44, arrested.
NDLEA Raids Drug Farms and Warehouses
Delta State: 50,000kg of Cannabis Destroyed
- Incident Date: Thursday, 27 February 2025
- Location: Forest in Innam-Abbi/Orogun, Ndokwa West LGA
- Details: NDLEA, supported by the military, destroyed a 20-hectare cannabis farm.
- Suspects Arrested:
- Augustine Subaru, 45
- Ukoba Malachukwu, 53
- Odalonu Emmanuel, 40
- Esuabom Macaulay, 35
- Itoje Safe, 54
Edo State: 1,409.5kg of Skunk Recovered
- Incident Date: Saturday, 1 March 2025
- Location: Okpuje Community, Owan West LGA
- Details: NDLEA, alongside military forces, raided drug warehouses, seized over 1.4 tonnes of skunk, and destroyed 100 jumbo bags of the substance.
- Suspects Arrested:
- Oikelomen Osere Monday, 38
- Glory Iroyo, 42
Additional Drug Seizures Across Nigeria
Interceptions on Major Roads
- Oyo State: Michael Omoloki, 46, arrested with 58.5kg of skunk on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
- Delta State: 1,111kg of skunk found in a Mercedes-Benz truck along Abraka-Orogun Road on Friday, 28 February 2025.
- Osun State: Sunday Ogbu, 45, caught with 1.05kg of skunk hidden in detergent and biscuit cartons.
Drug Dealers Nabbed with Tramadol and Cannabis
- Kwara State: Lawali Mohammed, a Beninoise national, was caught with 2,980 tramadol tablets and diazepam pills on Monday, 24 February 2025.
- Zamfara State: Ayuba Mustapha, 30, was arrested with 24,700 tramadol pills on Sunday, 23 February 2025.
- Borno State: Mustapha Shettima, 50, apprehended with 31kg of skunk, 1,000 tramadol pills, and N720,000 cash in Maiduguri.
- Kano State: Adamu Idris, 40, was found with 140 blocks of cannabis weighing 73.5kg on Wednesday, 26 February 2025.
NDLEA’s Commitment to Drug-Free Nigeria
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation efforts. Recent awareness campaigns were held at:
- Ansarudeen Junior Secondary School, Ojuelegba, Lagos
- Loretto Girls Special Science School, Adazinnukwu, Anambra State
- Tudun Murtala Special Primary School, Nasarawa LGA, Kano State
NDLEA Chief Commends Officers
Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised officers from MMIA, MAKIA, SOU, Tincan, Delta, Edo, Oyo, Kano, Osun, Borno, Zamfara, and Kwara Commands for their dedication.
“Their operational successes, alongside ongoing efforts in drug supply reduction and public sensitisation, reinforce our commitment to a drug-free Nigeria,” he stated.
NDLEA’s relentless crackdown on drug trafficking continues to yield results, with multiple arrests and major seizures disrupting criminal networks in Nigeria. The agency remains steadfast in its mission to protect communities from the dangers of illicit drugs.
