The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a series of major arrests across Nigeria, targeting drug traffickers using various methods, including dispatch services and international air freight.
Dispatch Riders Arrested in Abuja
In Abuja, three dispatch riders were arrested for allegedly distributing illicit substances. The suspects, identified as Sabo Sule (24), Samuel Nnamdi (28), and Idris Jibrin (28), were apprehended during intelligence-led stop-and-search operations on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, a total of 149.8 grams of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, was recovered from the suspects. The agency noted that the men used motorcycles typically employed for commercial delivery services to carry out their illegal activities.
Cocaine, Tramadol Intercepted at Lagos Airport
In a separate operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted a large consignment of cocaine and tramadol 225mg. The drugs were ingeniously concealed within 71 vehicle side mirrors and were bound for Libreville, Gabon.
The initial interception on Saturday, July 19, 2025, led to the discovery of 57,420 pills of tramadol and 57 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.60kg. The cargo agent handling the shipment, Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict, was immediately arrested. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah, who was found to have an additional 11 parcels of cocaine weighing 1kg hidden in four more side mirrors at his home.
In a related case, a businesswoman, Nwafor Nneka, was arrested on Friday, August 1, after NDLEA intercepted 100 grams of cocaine and 300 grams of phenacetine (a cutting agent) concealed in lipsticks. The consignment was being sent to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Nneka, who runs the operation as a “family business” with her husband who is currently on the run, admitted to purchasing the lipsticks used for concealment.
Arrests Made in Lagos, Benue, and Edo
The NDLEA also reported several other arrests:
In Lagos, operatives arrested Joseph Michael with 3.3kg of Colorado in the Mushin area.
Another suspect, Ibrahim Sulaiman, was caught with 16.5 liters of “skuchies” in Iwaya, Yaba.
In Benue state, an NDLEA checkpoint led to the seizure of 100,000 pills of tramadol capsules from Hussein Yusuf.
In Edo state, a raid on a warehouse in Ekpoma resulted in the arrest of William Alabi and the recovery of 233.5kg of skunk.
