In a major breakthrough, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has captured a high-profile female drug baron, Simbiat Shodunke, in her Lagos residence, recovering a massive consignment of cocaine valued at over N5 billion from her children's bedroom.
Lagos Sting Operation Nets Syndicate Leader
Operatives tracked down the 39-year-old Shodunke, who had been evading arrest since May 2024, to her home at 31 Onasanya Street, Surulere, Lagos, on December 9, 2025. A meticulous search of the premises led to the shocking discovery of 23.50 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed inside a black suitcase, strategically placed in her children's room. Shodunke confessed to owning the illicit drugs.
This arrest is a significant follow-up to the dismantling of a cocaine trafficking cartel led by a couple, Lookman Dauda and Toheebat Dauda, exactly 24 months prior. That couple was apprehended on May 25, 2024, at Ibiye along the Lagos-Badagry expressway with 47.5kg of cocaine. A subsequent raid on their Agbara, Ogun State home yielded another 10kg, bringing their total seizure to 57.5 kilogrammes.
Nationwide Raids Yield Multiple Arrests, Seizures
In related operations across the country, NDLEA officers recorded several other successes:
- At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, a 36-year-old businessman, Nwanwene Robinson, was intercepted on Thursday, December 18, with 1,020 pills of tramadol and tapentadol bound for Milan, Italy. He revealed he was to be paid €200 as a courier.
- At the Seme border, a 48-year-old Beninoise, Leocardi Josu, was arrested the same day with 3,400 tablets of tramadol while attempting to enter Nigeria.
- On December 19, along the Okene/Lokoja highway, Abdullahi Adamu, 30, was nabbed with 28.400kg of skunk and Colorado.
- In Oyo State, a bus along the Lagos/Ibadan expressway was found carrying 125,000 capsules of tramadol and 1,800 ampoules of pentazocine injection on December 19. Two men were also arrested in Ibadan with 185.4kg of skunk.
- In Osun State, a forest raid on December 19 led to the seizure of 405kg of skunk and the arrest of Charles James, 45.
- On the Abuja/Kaduna highway, Jamilu Zakari, 42, was arrested on December 19 with 14,960 pills of tramadol concealed in kolanut sacks.
Agency Leadership Commands Officers, Urges Vigilance
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), praised the officers involved in the Special Operations Unit and various state commands for their diligence and successful operations. He specifically commended the arrests and seizures.
Marwa charged all NDLEA personnel across Nigeria to maintain extra vigilance during the festive season. He emphasized the need for the highest standards of professionalism in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities, which include ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs in schools, worship centers, and communities.
