NDLEA's Nationwide Crackdown: Ex-Councillor, Others Arrested in Major Drug Busts
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have conducted a sweeping series of arrests and drug interceptions across Nigeria this week, targeting high-profile individuals and uncovering massive hauls of illicit substances. The coordinated operations spanned multiple states, resulting in significant seizures of cannabis, tramadol, methamphetamine, and codeine-based syrup.
Former Lagos Councillor Caught with 40kg of Skunk
In a headline case from Lagos State, NDLEA agents arrested Sheleru Sadiq Olalekan, a 45-year-old former two-term councillor, at his residence in Ilado on Monday, March 2. A thorough search of the property revealed a staggering 40 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. Olalekan, who currently works as a legislative aide, openly admitted ownership of both the drugs and the property, confirming the NDLEA's findings.
Drugs Hidden in Diapers and Fan Cartons
The following day, March 3, NDLEA operatives in Abuja intercepted Emeka Hyginus Okwor, a 32-year-old businessman traveling from Enugu State to Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory. Hidden within baby diapers in his luggage were 1,000 tapentadol pills. Okwor confessed that he was transporting the drugs to his provision store in Niger State.
In Kogi State, officers stopped a commercial bus along the Kabba–Obajana highway and discovered 1.55 kilograms of synthetic cannabis, commonly known as Colorado, concealed in a standing fan carton. The suspect, 36-year-old Mey Ali Muhamat from Cameroon, was en route home via Lagos, Kano, and Maiduguri.
Massive Recoveries Across Multiple States
The NDLEA's operations extended to several other states, resulting in substantial drug recoveries:
- Adamawa State: Approximately 122,000 tramadol pills and 700 grams of methamphetamine were found hidden in a truck transporting local drinks in Yola.
- Kano State: Muhammed Ali, a 20-year-old man, was arrested on March 3 with over 11,000 tramadol pills.
- Ogun State: A raid in Ogere led to the arrest of Nazifi Mudansir and Kabiru Musa, with 46 kilograms of skunk seized.
- Delta State: Arrests yielded 18.63 kilograms of skunk, 10.8 liters of codeine syrup, and more than 4,200 pills of tramadol and swinol.
- Edo State: NDLEA destroyed 1,910.25 kilograms of skunk on two farms in Egbesi Forest, Uhunmwonde Local Council, and arrested 48-year-old Eke London and 49-year-old Austin Isusi. Additionally, Alaba Adeboye, 47, was arrested in Ikhin town with 176.5 kilograms of skunk.
Interception of Explosive Components
In Niger State, on March 4, NDLEA agents intercepted a commercial bus from Ibadan carrying 500 improvised explosive device components in a white sack. The intended recipient, 21-year-old Osama Abdullahi, was subsequently arrested in Pelegi, Mashegu Local Council.
These operations underscore the NDLEA's intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and related criminal activities across Nigeria, targeting both local and international networks involved in the illicit drug trade.
