The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a sweeping offensive against drug trafficking syndicates across Nigeria, resulting in high-profile arrests and significant seizures of illicit substances in recent operations.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives apprehended Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, a 43-year-old Lekki-based businessman and owner of Damillionz Takeout, for his alleged involvement in an international drug smuggling ring. The arrest on March 24 followed the interception of seven large cartons containing 60 parcels of Loud cannabis (weighing 32.24kg) shipped from the United States.
A subsequent search of his Lekki residence yielded additional evidence including 94 grams of cannabis, a crusher, and other drug paraphernalia. During interrogation, Ebenezer reportedly confessed to participating in drug trafficking since 2017.
The agency scored another major breakthrough at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport where operatives intercepted Omoruyi Terry, a frequent Italy-bound traveler, attempting to smuggle 1,400 Tramadol pills (800 grams) concealed in his luggage. The suspect, who operated as a logistics agent, was apprehended at the screening point of Terminal 2 while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight.
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Northern operations proved equally successful as NDLEA teams in Katsina State conducted a intelligence-led raid on Godai village in Daura LGA, arresting four suspects - Baraka Abubakar, Haruna Alitine, Muhammad Babangida, and Hamisu Lawal. The operation netted 684 blocks of compressed skunk (423kg) and 86,000 diazepam tablets, with three suspects caught repackaging the drugs at the time of arrest.
In Edo State, anti-narcotic officers destroyed 13,198kg of cannabis across multiple forest plantations in Uhen (Ovia North East), Sobe (Owan West), and Amahor (Igueben) between March 24-28, with an additional 158kg of processed cannabis recovered for evidence. Similar successes were recorded in Niger State where officers intercepted a vehicle with 179 blocks of skunk (77.6kg) hidden in false compartments, plus another 50kg seized from a suspect's residence in Borgu LGA.
Other notable operations included the recovery of 108.5kg of skunk from lock-up shops in Enugu's Aria New Market, 25kg from a suspect in Ilorin, and the arrest of a dealer in Ibadan with 2.5kg of Ghanaian Loud and Colorado strain.
NDLEA Chairman Brig-Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) praised officers for their operational successes, stating: "Our drug supply reduction and demand reduction strategies are yielding tangible results as we remain committed to achieving a drug-free society." The agency continues to intensify its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign across schools, worship centers, and communities nationwide.
These coordinated operations demonstrate NDLEA's strengthened capacity to disrupt drug trafficking networks across international borders and domestic distribution chains, while underscoring the evolving sophistication of narcotics syndicates in Nigeria.
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Source: The Guardian
