The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, busting a trans-border cartel and arresting four key suspects across three states.
How the Operation Unfolded
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the arrests followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
- A Toyota Sienna bus (ABJ 452 HG) was intercepted on January 27, 2025, along the Nasarawa-Toto road, Keffi, Nasarawa State.
- Two suspects, Zahradeen Adamu (27) and Abubakar Usman (44), were arrested while transporting 190,960 tramadol pills concealed inside a hidden steel compartment behind the vehicle’s bumper.
- A second Sienna bus, driven by Abba Usman (48), was also stopped and found to contain more illicit drugs.
Onitsha-Based Supplier Arrested
Investigations led NDLEA operatives to Onitsha, Anambra State, where they arrested Kingsley Mbaeri, the suspected supplier of the tramadol shipment.
- A raid at his Uga Street residence resulted in the seizure of two vehicles:
- Toyota Corolla (FGG 948 MF)
- Toyota Sienna (GWA 23 HH)
Other Major Drug Busts Across Nigeria
The NDLEA also intercepted other drug shipments and dealers across the country:
- FCT, Abuja: On February 4, Chimezie Henry Ojingwa (32) was caught smuggling methamphetamine, cannabis (Loud), and dimethyl sulfone inside a bag of motor spare parts.
- Cross River State: On February 13, NDLEA officers intercepted 170,000 tramadol pills hidden inside a truck along Ogoja-Abakaliki Road, Yahe.
- Lagos (Apapa Seaport): 85,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup were seized from a container imported from India.
- Borno State (Maiduguri): On February 14, suspects Halilu Isa and Gambo Umaru were caught with 60 compressed blocks of skunk (72kg).
- Ekiti State (Ikole-Ekiti): A raid on Iloda Street led to the arrest of three drug dealers and the seizure of 83kg of skunk.
- Lagos (Lekki): On February 15, Samiat Olabisi Yussuf (28) was arrested with 169.5 litres of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and 111g of Loud at her residence.
- Taraba State:
- Ibrahim Usman (40) was found with 88kg of Arizona and Ghana Loud at Wukari.
- Solomon James (40) was arrested with 44.84kg of skunk in Jalingo LGA.
NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Campaign
Beyond the arrests, NDLEA has continued its nationwide sensitization efforts to combat drug abuse.
The campaign has reached schools, religious centers, and workplaces, educating Nigerians on the dangers of drug use.
NDLEA Boss Commends Officers
The Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), applauded the officers and commands involved in the successful operations.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eliminating drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Final Thoughts
This crackdown sends a strong message to drug cartels: NDLEA is relentless in its fight against drug-related crimes.
What do you think about NDLEA’s latest efforts? Share your views in the comments section!
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