In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a trans-border drug cartel, leading to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of illicit drugs worth millions of naira. The operation, spanning several states, uncovered a sophisticated smuggling network that used specially modified vehicles to conceal contraband.
The NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, announced the successful sting operation in a statement on Sunday. He revealed that after weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the agency’s Directorate of Intelligence, operatives intercepted a Sienna bus, marked ABJ 452 HG, at 6 a.m. on January 27 along the Nasarawa-Toto Road in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The vehicle, which had departed Onitsha, Anambra State, en route to Yola, Adamawa State, was found to be loaded with illegal substances.
Two suspects, 27-year-old Zahradeen Adamu and 44-year-old Abubakar Usman, were apprehended on the spot. A follow-up operation led to the interception of another Sienna bus driven by 48-year-old Abba Usman. Upon searching both vehicles, operatives discovered 190,960 pills of tramadol hidden in a specially constructed steel compartment behind the bumper and in the spare tyre compartment.
Further investigations linked the consignment to Kingsley Mbaeri, a notorious drug dealer based in Onitsha, Anambra State. Acting swiftly, NDLEA operatives stormed Mbaeri’s residence on Uga Street, Onitsha, on January 29, leading to his arrest. Two vehicles, a Toyota Corolla (FGG 948 MF) and a Toyota Sienna (GWA 23 HH), were confiscated from his home.
The NDLEA’s war on drug trafficking extended beyond the cartel bust, as operatives carried out successful interdictions across different states:
Abuja (FCT): On February 4, NDLEA intelligence operatives intercepted a commercial bus from Onitsha at the Abaji checkpoint, where they arrested Chimezie Henry Ojingwa, 32, a passenger who had concealed 404.47 grams of methamphetamine, 506.49 grams of “Loud” (a potent cannabis strain), and 262.32 grams of dimethyl sulfone (a precursor for meth production) in motor spare parts inside his black bag.
Cross River State: On February 13, officers patrolling the Ogoja-Abakaliki Road in Yahe intercepted a truck driven by 31-year-old Paul Chukwudi, carrying 170,000 pills of tramadol.
Lagos State (Apapa Seaport): In a major drug seizure, NDLEA operatives recovered 85,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup smuggled into the country in a container from India on February 11.
Borno State (Maiduguri): On Friday, NDLEA arrested two drug peddlers, Halilu Isa and Gambo Umaru, on Bama Road, with 60 compressed blocks of skunk (72kg) in their possession.
Ekiti State: A notorious drug joint on Iloda Street, Ikole-Ekiti, was raided on February 11, leading to the arrest of three suspects: Bala Muhammed (57), Yahaya Adamu (55), and Abdullahi Shehu (30). The operation resulted in the seizure of 83 kilograms of skunk.
Lagos State (Lekki): On Saturday, NDLEA operatives stormed the residence of 28-year-old Samiat Olabisi Yussuf, recovering 169.5 litres of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and 111 grams of Loud.
Taraba State: In a double operation, NDLEA operatives confiscated 132.84 kilograms of skunk from two suspects: Ibrahim Usman, 40, who was caught with 88kg of Arizona and Ghana Loud in Wukari, and Solomon James, 40, who was found with 44.84kg of the same substances in Takanaba, Sabongari, Jalingo LGA.
The NDLEA’s nationwide operations highlight its unwavering commitment to dismantling drug syndicates operating within and across Nigeria’s borders. With advanced intelligence strategies, rigorous surveillance, and swift action, the agency continues to strike at the core of the illicit drug trade, sending a strong warning to traffickers that their days are numbered.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) has reiterated the agency’s resolve to rid Nigeria of drug-related crimes, urging citizens to support the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
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