The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has continued its relentless fight against drug trafficking, successfully apprehending a suspected trafficker and seizing large quantities of illicit substances in multiple operations across the country. These significant achievements were disclosed in a statement by NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Femi Babafemi, on Sunday.

Arrest of Suspected Trafficker in Enugu

On December 2, 2024, NDLEA operatives apprehended a 42-year-old suspect at Okeyson Motor Park, Enugu, while he attempted to collect a consignment smuggled from South Africa. The illicit drugs were cleverly concealed in three pressure machines and contained parcels of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, weighing 7.40kg.

According to Babafemi, the consignment arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos, on November 29. Acting on credible intelligence, the MMIA Strategic Command of the NDLEA monitored the shipment as it passed through the clearing process. The agency tracked the shipment to a logistics company’s warehouse outside the airport, where it was initially scheduled to be collected. However, the point of collection was later shifted to Enugu, leading NDLEA operatives to carry out a follow-up operation that culminated in the suspect’s arrest.

Major Seizures Across Nigeria

In addition to the Enugu arrest, the NDLEA carried out several operations in different parts of the country, intercepting significant quantities of illicit drugs:

• Adamawa State: NDLEA operatives on patrol intercepted a Siena vehicle along Hildi-Askira Uba Road carrying 511,000 pills of tramadol. The vehicle’s occupants abandoned it after noticing the operatives were pursuing them.
• Ekiti State: Two suspects were arrested along the Ise-Emure Road while transporting 108 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 1,323kg in a J5 bus marked EPE 958 XJ. The suspects claimed the consignment was en route to Owo, Ondo State, for further distribution in northern Nigeria.
• Oyo State: NDLEA operatives apprehended a suspect with 704 kilograms of cannabis concealed in white sacks on Idere Road, Igboora.
• Lagos State: A 65-year-old grandmother was arrested at Odunfa Street, Lagos Island, where 20.6 liters of codeine-based syrup were recovered. In another operation, a man was arrested on Ogundana Street, Ikeja, with 4.7kg of cannabis and 1.3kg of tramadol.

War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Sensitization Campaigns

In addition to enforcement efforts, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns aimed at reducing demand for illicit drugs. The campaigns targeted schools, religious institutions, workplaces, and communities, with notable lectures held at:

• Progressive Secondary School, Ado Awaye, Oyo State
• Muslim Grammar School, Ede, Osun State
• Government Girls College, Maiduguri, Borno State
• Community Secondary School, Ogale, Rivers State

These engagements sought to educate participants on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of collective action in curbing the menace.

Commendation from NDLEA Chairman

Retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, the NDLEA Chairman, commended the agency’s operatives across the MMIA, Adamawa, Ekiti, Lagos, and Oyo Commands for their dedication and efficiency. Marwa praised the agency’s balanced approach to reducing both drug supply and demand, highlighting these achievements as evidence of their commitment to safeguarding public health and security.

“Your efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse are highly commendable,” Marwa said. “These successes demonstrate the agency’s resolve to protect communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.”

Call to Action

The NDLEA’s recent operations underscore the critical role of intelligence-led policing and community collaboration in tackling the drug epidemic. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities and join hands with law enforcement agencies to build a drug-free society.

With the agency’s sustained efforts, Nigeria continues to make significant strides in combating drug trafficking and abuse, ensuring safer communities and a healthier nation.