The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a series of high-profile drug seizures and arrests across the country, including the interception of 256 wraps of cocaine at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) and other significant operations.
Major Cocaine Seizure at MAKIA
On Sunday, December 15, 2024, NDLEA operatives arrested Nigerian businessman Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus at MAKIA in Kano for attempting to smuggle 256 wraps of cocaine, weighing 6 kg, into the country. The operation marks the largest cocaine seizure at the Kano airport since the NDLEA established its MAKIA Command in 2006.
Olisaka, who claimed to be involved in import and export, was caught during body screening upon arrival on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Other Notable Arrests and Seizures
- Repeat Offender Nabbed at Lagos Airport
Olanrewaju Bada Akorede, an ex-convict, was intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, attempting to smuggle rohypnol to South Africa. He had previously been convicted for trafficking tramadol and rohypnol in December 2023 and sentenced to two years in prison with an option of a fine, which he paid before reoffending. - Italy-Bound Businesswoman Caught with Tramadol
Cynthia Akaeen, an Italy-based businesswoman, was arrested at MMIA on December 18, 2024, while attempting to smuggle 9,190 tablets of tramadol weighing 6 kg to Italy. She admitted she was promised €1,000 for successfully delivering the drugs.
https://x.com/ndlea_nigeria/status/1870777207670407409
- Warehouse Raid in Onitsha
NDLEA operatives uncovered a stash of 418,330 pills of tramadol, tapentadol, and 8,000 bottles of codeine syrup during a raid at a building materials market in Onitsha, Anambra State. - Massive Codeine Haul at Tincan Port
A joint operation at Tincan Island Port, Lagos, led to the discovery of 180,000 bottles of codeine syrup in a container originating from India. The consignee, Makata Emmanuel, was arrested on the spot. - Arrests in Borno State
Two suspects, Ishaya Wabba and Samaila Audu, were apprehended in Maiduguri with 293,000 tramadol capsules, a pistol, and live ammunition. Another suspect, Sanusi Abdul Hamid, was caught with 260,000 capsules of tramadol. - Other Drug Seizures Across Nigeria
Additional seizures included cannabis, psychoactive substances, and precursor chemicals in locations such as Maiduguri, Oyo State, Enugu, and Lagos.
NDLEA’s Ongoing Efforts
In addition to these arrests, the NDLEA intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization programs in schools, religious centers, and workplaces nationwide.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers for their diligence and urged them to maintain their momentum. He emphasized the agency’s balanced approach to reducing both drug supply and demand in Nigeria.
These coordinated efforts underscore NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in the country.
