The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a massive haul of illegal drugs worth over N6.5 billion during major operations at two of Nigeria’s busiest seaports—Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, and Apapa Port in Lagos. These seizures, announced on Sunday, resulted from a coordinated intelligence-driven operation aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks.

In addition to the port raids, NDLEA operatives also made significant arrests at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, where they apprehended four individuals, including two British nationals, for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the country. Simultaneously, agents across several states dismantled cannabis farms and intercepted large shipments of narcotics hidden in vehicles and cargo.

NDLEA Uncovers Opioids and Codeine at Onne and Apapa Ports

Acting on credible intelligence, the NDLEA placed several high-risk containers under close surveillance and flagged them for 100% physical inspection. As a result, agents uncovered over six million opioid pills—including Tamol 225mg, Tapentadol 225mg, and Carisoprodol 225mg—along with 332,000 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.

The first operation took place at Onne Port between May 19 and 20, where NDLEA officers seized six million pills and 162,000 bottles of codeine. Just days later, on May 22, a second container flagged at Apapa Port revealed an additional 170,000 bottles of codeine syrup.

These seizures reflect the agency’s commitment to intensifying its presence at entry points and preventing pharmaceutical drugs from fueling Nigeria’s substance abuse crisis.

NDLEA Nabs British Nationals Smuggling Cannabis at Lagos Airport

On May 15, NDLEA officers at Lagos’ MMIA arrested four suspects, including two British nationals, who tried to smuggle 92 bags of Loud cannabis, weighing 51.10kg, into Nigeria.

The primary suspect, Mhizha Jordan Alexander Tatendra, arrived on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha. Agents monitored him as he connected with Ayedipe Andrew Adejuwon, a Nigerian-British dual citizen, at the airport car park. Two Nigerian accomplices, Shonowo Oluwaseun Imole and Ofuoma Omokaro Ayobami, also joined them. As the group attempted to leave, NDLEA operatives moved in and arrested all four.

During interrogation, Alexander confessed that someone promised him £1,300 to deliver the drug consignment. Agents then followed up with a search at their Lekki residence, where they recovered N93,000, 17,200 South African Rand, N3,810,500 in cash, an Apple laptop, an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and four nitrous oxide (laughing gas) canisters.

By uncovering these items, the agency exposed a broader network operating within Lagos, reinforcing its strategy of following the money and dismantling drug cartels from the inside out.

NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Farms in Cross River and Edo States

In a separate operation, NDLEA agents stormed a 30-hectare cannabis farm in Esuk-Odot village, Cross River State, where they destroyed more than 75,000kg of skunk. This raid dealt a major blow to local cultivators supplying cannabis to traffickers across southern Nigeria.

Additionally, agents conducted successful raids in Edo State, where they destroyed another 1,957.5kg of skunk in the Ohosu forest (Edo South-West) and the Okhuse community forest (Edo West). These strategic forest operations demonstrate the agency’s expanding reach and its determination to eliminate drug production at the source.

Agents Intercept Cannabis Shipments in Nasarawa and Other States

While surveillance continues nationwide, NDLEA officers in Nasarawa State intercepted a truck in Keffi carrying 4,000kg of skunk cleverly hidden under unprocessed wood. Another man was caught in Karu with 154.5kg of cannabis.

In other parts of the country, NDLEA agents recorded the following major seizures and arrests:

• Kaduna: On May 21, authorities arrested a 22-year-old suspect with 57,750 pills of tramadol and diazepam, both of which are widely misused.

• Bauchi: Officers seized 45kg of skunk on the same day.

• Yobe: A suspect trying to cross into Chad was caught with 2kg of “Colorado”, a highly potent synthetic cannabis strain.

• Niger State: NDLEA recovered 97kg of compressed cannabis from a vehicle traveling along the Mokwa-Jebba Road.

• Lagos: Ongoing operations in Lekki led to multiple arrests and the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine, and skunk.

These consistent nationwide seizures show how traffickers continue to evolve their methods, but NDLEA remains equally adaptive and responsive.

Marwa Applauds Officers for Relentless Drug War Campaign

Reacting to the success of the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the agency’s personnel for their tireless dedication. He emphasized that NDLEA’s success stems from a two-pronged strategy: disrupting drug supply chains while simultaneously reducing demand through education, prevention, and rehabilitation.

Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to sustain its momentum and deploy even more advanced tactics to dismantle trafficking networks. He called on communities, traditional leaders, and civil society groups to support NDLEA’s mission by reporting suspicious activities and advocating for a drug-free society.

Conclusion: NDLEA Ramps Up Nationwide Offensive Against Drugs

The latest operations underscore the NDLEA’s expanded capabilities and firm commitment to combating drug trafficking across Nigeria. From intercepting billions worth of drugs at ports and airports to destroying plantations and dismantling smuggling rings, the agency continues to make significant strides.

By arresting both local and foreign suspects, seizing dangerous substances, and cutting off supply lines, the NDLEA is sending a powerful message: no drug trafficker will go unchecked. With its relentless pace and improved intelligence framework, the agency remains on course to restore safety, health, and security across Nigeria.