NDLEA cracks down on drug trafficking across Nigeria, seizes tons of cannabis, millions of pills
In a series of coordinated operations across the country, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed large-scale drug warehouses, intercepted millions of narcotics, and arrested numerous suspects involved in the illicit drug trade.
The agency’s efforts formed part of its ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).
The NDLEA confirmed that its Special Operations Unit (SOU) recently conducted major raids in Ekiti and Ondo states, uncovering massive stashes of cannabis.
In Omuo-Ekiti, officers destroyed 14,654 kilograms of skunk, while in Asin-Ekiti, two warehouses holding 54,300 kilograms of the psychoactive substance were razed.
Arrests were made in connection with these seizures, and 28.3 kilograms of skunk were recovered for prosecution.
In Ondo State, Igoba Forest in Akure North LGA yielded 5,442 kilograms of compressed skunk, along with the arrest of five suspects.
A separate vehicle seizure along Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State uncovered 500 kilograms of skunk in a Mercedes Benz van, and the driver was taken into custody.
The NDLEA also intensified operations in the Federal Capital Territory, intercepting 22 kilograms of synthetic cannabis (Colorado) along Abaji Expressway, and arresting a female receiver during a follow-up operation at Jabi Park.
On the Kwali-Gwagwalada Expressway, another suspect was apprehended with 24 kilograms of skunk and 573,500 tablets of Exol-5.
In Lagos State, officers recovered 217 pouches of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 113 kilograms at Ladipo Market, Mushin. Additional seizures included 351 kilograms of skunk at Onipanu and 104.1 kilograms at Trade Fair Complex, Ojo.
Edo State also recorded significant recoveries, including 447.5 kilograms of skunk from two vehicles in Agho Forest, Akoko Edo LGA, and 315.8 kilograms from a warehouse in Isiefve Community, Uhunwonde LGA.
Beyond cannabis, the agency has made substantial interceptions of opioids, particularly tramadol and codeine.
Over 7.6 million tramadol tablets and 252.2 litres of codeine syrup were recovered nationwide.
Notable seizures included 1.2 million tablets of tramadol (225mg) intercepted in a vehicle along Onitsha-Owerri Road in Imo State, as well as 1,577,112 capsules of tramadol found in a Toyota Hiace bus traveling from Jos, Plateau State to Mubi, Adamawa State.
Additional arrests were made in Kano State, where a suspect was caught with 197,000 Exol-5 tablets.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, highlighted that these operations were based on actionable intelligence and targeted both trafficking networks and distribution points.
He noted that all seizures were tied to ongoing prosecutions.
NDLEA Chairman, Retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, commended the officers involved, emphasising that these successes demonstrate a balanced approach to reducing both drug supply and demand.
He praised the nationwide coordination of commands in Delta, Adamawa, Imo, Ondo, Lagos, and Kano states, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to combating the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria.
Alongside enforcement, the agency continues WADA sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities to raise public awareness about the dangers of narcotics.
Recent outreach included lectures at St. Michael’s Academy, Kano; Harry Pass Secondary School, Benue; and Community Junior Secondary School, Rivers State.
With these combined enforcement and educational measures, the NDLEA asserts its determination to curb drug trafficking, dismantle illicit networks, and protect vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
