Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) saved the life of a 59-year-old businessman, Chijioke Igbokwe, after he underwent emergency surgery to remove 57 out of 81 pellets of cocaine lodged in his stomach. The surgery, an exploratory laparotomy, was performed after Igbokwe spent seven days struggling to excrete the illicit substance, which he had ingested in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The incident, which highlights the dangers of drug trafficking and the lengths to which traffickers go to evade detection, has drawn widespread attention. A statement released on Sunday by the NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, detailed the events leading up to Igbokwe’s arrest and subsequent medical intervention.
The Arrest and Discovery
Igbokwe was arrested on January 26, 2025, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos during the inward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. A body scan conducted by NDLEA officers confirmed that he had ingested illicit drugs, prompting his immediate placement under excretion observation at the agency’s medical facility.
Investigations revealed that Igbokwe, who claims to be a clothing trader at Arena, Oshodi, Lagos, had departed Lagos on January 22 for Addis Ababa. There, he ingested 81 wraps of cocaine on January 23 before boarding a flight to Beirut, Lebanon, to deliver the illicit consignment for a fee of $3,000.
A Failed Mission and Deportation
Upon his arrival in Beirut, Igbokwe was denied entry because he had less than $2,000, the minimum amount required for admission. He was subsequently deported to Addis Ababa, where he attempted to excrete the illicit drugs but failed. Desperate and in distress, he traveled back to Lagos on January 25 with the consignment still in his system.
However, his ordeal was far from over. Upon arrival at the Lagos airport, he was arrested by NDLEA officers on January 26. For five days, he was under excretion observation but managed to expel only 24 pellets despite initial medical intervention at the agency’s medical facility and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
Emergency Surgery: A Race Against Time
As complications arose from underlying medical conditions and time began to run out, Igbokwe was admitted to a tertiary hospital, where he underwent an exploratory laparotomy to extract the remaining 57 wraps of cocaine. The procedure, which took place on January 30, was carried out after his wife and brother signed the necessary consent forms.
In total, the NDLEA recovered 81 cocaine pellets, weighing 1.943 kilograms, from Igbokwe’s body. The successful surgery not only saved his life but also prevented the illicit drugs from reaching their intended destination.
A Broader Crackdown on Drug Trafficking
The NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug trafficking did not stop with Igbokwe’s arrest. In another operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 2,000-kilogram shipment of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, at Lekki Beach on January 29. Two suspects, Sunday Awoyede and Christopher Cletus, were arrested while attempting to load the drugs onto a truck.
Additionally, another suspect, Lawal Idris Olasunkanmi, was arrested the same day with 55kg of skunk during a raid at his base in the Mushin area of Lagos. These operations underscore the NDLEA’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and its devastating impact on society.
The Human Cost of Drug Trafficking
Igbokwe’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with drug trafficking, not only for society but also for the traffickers themselves. The physical and psychological toll of ingesting illicit substances can be severe, often leading to life-threatening complications.
For Igbokwe, the decision to traffic drugs has resulted in a traumatic experience that will likely have lasting consequences. His story also highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the risks of drug trafficking, particularly for vulnerable individuals who may be lured by the promise of quick money.
NDLEA’s Commitment to Public Safety
The NDLEA has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety and combating the scourge of drug trafficking. The agency’s swift action in Igbokwe’s case, as well as its successful interception of other drug shipments, demonstrates its dedication to protecting communities from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.
“We remain unwavering in our mission to rid our society of illicit drugs and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens,” said Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s spokesman.
A Call for Collaboration and Vigilance
The NDLEA has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking. The agency emphasized the importance of community cooperation in its efforts to combat drug-related crimes and protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to the lure of quick money.
“We urge everyone to join us in this fight against drug trafficking. Together, we can create a safer and healthier society for all,” Babafemi added.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Resilience and Responsibility
The rescue of Chijioke Igbokwe is a testament to the NDLEA’s dedication and expertise in combating drug trafficking. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of engaging in illicit activities and the importance of making responsible choices.
As Igbokwe recovers from his ordeal, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of drug trafficking and to provide support and education to those at risk. Through collaboration, vigilance, and a commitment to public safety, we can work together to create a society free from the scourge of illicit drugs.
