Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have made significant breakthroughs in their fight against drug trafficking, intercepting multiple consignments of dangerous substances cleverly concealed in imported machinery and auto parts at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Major Bust at Lagos Airport
The anti-narcotics agency revealed that its intelligence-led operations led to the discovery of illicit drugs hidden within machine cylinders and automobile components. According to a statement issued on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA's Director of Media & Advocacy, the crackdown forms part of a nationwide effort to dismantle drug trafficking organizations.
On November 20, 2025, NDLEA officers at Lagos airport intercepted a brake servo automobile part containing 48 pellets and a block of cocaine weighing 2.30 kilograms. The consignment was destined for Gabon before alert officials uncovered the sophisticated concealment method.
Syndicate Members Arrested in Onitsha
The agency's investigations led to the arrest of two suspected members of a drug syndicate in Onitsha, Anambra State, on November 18, 2025. The suspects were apprehended while attempting to collect a shipment that had arrived from South Africa on November 13, 2025.
Those arrested include 30-year-old Ebulue Lotanwa Uzochukwu, an electrical appliances dealer, and 51-year-old Christopher Michael Ndibuisi, a South Africa returnee. The seized shipment contained:
- 5.40 kilograms of methamphetamine
- 10.70 kilograms of cannabis
- 16 grams of cocaine
- 200 grams of phenacetin
- 200 grams of methcathinone
- 100 grams of caffeine
Following the initial discovery, subsequent investigations at the ASMPDA market in Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, led to the arrests of freight agent Ameh Solomon and auto parts dealer Nwafor Tochukwu Boniface.
Nationwide Crackdown Yields Results
The Agency reported significant seizures across multiple states in a coordinated nationwide operation. In Kabba, Kogi State, on November 17, officers intercepted 4,700 kilograms of cannabis and arrested three suspects.
A warehouse raid in Cross River State on November 19 recovered 4,706 kilograms of cannabis, leading to the arrest of a couple identified as Onun Okoi Okpotum, 55, and Itam Okoi Okpotum, 52.
In Edo State, the agency apprehended two women - Praise Nwogu, 19, and Ebong Emem Oghosa, 25 - for producing and selling drug-laced brownies.
Additional operations across the country resulted in the recovery of various controlled substances including tramadol, opioids, codeine-based syrups, pentazocine injections, and even live ammunition. Arrests were made in several states including Enugu, Kebbi, Niger, Borno, the Federal Capital Territory, and Lagos.
Heightened Alert for Festive Season
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, emphasized the timeliness of the crackdown, noting that the festive season typically sees increased illegal drug activities.
"The coming weeks present both an opportunity and a challenge. Drug cartels may attempt to increase their illegal activities, seeking to profit during the busy holiday period. We must not, and we will not, let down our guard," Marwa stated.
The Agency has continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns across various platforms including schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities nationwide to complement its enforcement efforts.
