Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested several suspects in a series of major drug seizures across Nigeria.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, was intercepted while attempting to board a British Airways flight to London. A search of his luggage uncovered 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items, foil papers, and balloons. The suspect claimed he was travelling for vacation, but was caught during routine checks, according to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence arrested Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, with 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud cannabis. She was found with her three children and indicated that the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olatunji, who was later arrested. Olatunji reportedly confirmed ownership and has a prior conviction for a similar offence in 2015.
Also in Lagos, two suspects, Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim, were arrested at Ebetu Ero, Lagos Island, with 68,000 tramadol tablets (225mg and 250mg) intended for transport to Benin Republic. Follow-up operations led to the arrest of Nnamdi Cyprian at Idumota Market, where a parcel containing 1,000 tramadol tablets was recovered. Another raid at the same market saw Nwanosike Kelvin arrested with 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection.
In Kano State, Magaji Dan Azumi, 42, was arrested in Bebeji with 386 kilograms of skunk, while in Abuja, NDLEA recovered 282.2 kilograms of skunk from Isah Wako, 42, in Gwagwalada. In Edo State, Chinedo Odalonu, 33, was arrested after NDLEA destroyed 4,218.96 kilograms of skunk on two farms in the Egwa Forest Reserve, Orhionmwon LGA, recovering an additional 16.5 kilograms.
Additionally, NDLEA, alongside customs and other security agencies, intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup in two containers at Apapa seaport, Lagos, following intelligence indicating opioids were hidden in the shipments.
These operations reflect NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse across Nigeria.
