By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, Dec. 28, 2025 (NAN) – In a stark demonstration of both the resilience of drug trafficking networks and the sustained pressure from Nigerian authorities, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a series of significant interdictions across the country. The most notable case involves the re-arrest of a notorious drug trafficker, previously convicted and fined, who had swiftly returned to the illicit trade.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, detailed the operations in a statement on Sunday, revealing a multi-pronged offensive against narcotics smuggling that spanned international export attempts and domestic distribution chains.
The Lagos Airport Sting: A Repeat Offender Unmasked
The flagship operation unfolded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos. NDLEA operatives intercepted 75 parcels of cocaine, weighing 1.50 kilograms and cleverly concealed within factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch, destined for the United Kingdom. The interception led to the swift arrest of three cargo agents involved in the export attempt on Saturday, December 20th.
Further investigation, however, uncovered the mastermind: a trafficker with a prior conviction. Agency records revealed he was arrested in May 2023 for attempting to export 30.10kg of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers—also via the Lagos airport to London. He was convicted (Charge No: FHC/L/337C/2023), sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a N7 million fine, and one month of community service. After paying the fine, he allegedly returned to the same criminal enterprise. He was apprehended on December 21st at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja while on a date with his girlfriend. This case highlights a critical challenge in the drug war: the ability of well-financed kingpins to treat fines as a cost of business and quickly resume operations.
Nationwide Sweep: From Forest Plantations to Highway Intercepts
Concurrent with the airport operation, NDLEA teams were active across several states, targeting the production and domestic distribution of cannabis, particularly the potent strain known as skunk.
- Ekiti: On Monday, December 22nd, operatives conducted a major raid in the Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, setting ablaze tons of cultivated skunk and destroying wooden storage warehouses. An additional 638 kilograms of the substance were recovered from the site.
- Edo: Along the Igara-Auchi road, a patrol team intercepted three Toyota Camry cars loaded with 1,205 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg.
- Cross River: A raid in the Agoi-Ibami community of Yakurr LGA on December 21st led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of various quantities of skunk.
- FCT/Highways: A 42-year-old woman, Joy Oisamaye, was arrested with 38kg of skunk on the Abaji-Abuja expressway on December 22nd while traveling from Edo state. In Lagos, a female suspect was arrested with 45.5kg of skunk on Christmas Day at Agbara, while another was nabbed with 18.5kg in Itoga, Badagry, on December 24th.
- Taraba: Two suspects were arrested in Takum on consecutive days (Dec. 23 & 24) with a combined 48kg of cannabis.
Pharmaceutical Diversion and Port Seizures
The agency’s mandate also covers the diversion of pharmaceutical opioids. In Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver was arrested on the Gombe-Biu highway transporting a massive haul of 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 27,900 pills of tramadol, ostensibly to Borno state.
Furthermore, at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, a follow-up operation on December 19th led to the arrest of a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius, wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of ‘Loud’ (a high-grade cannabis) weighing 26kg. The consignment was initially discovered on December 10th during a joint examination by the NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration.
Sustaining the War Beyond Arrests: The WADA Initiative
Alongside these enforcement actions, the NDLEA continues its foundational War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign. In the past week, WADA enlightenment lectures were held in schools, worship centers, and communities nationwide, including at Destiny Child Academy in Nkpor, Anambra State. This dual strategy of supply reduction (enforcement) and demand reduction (prevention) is crucial for long-term success against the drug menace.
These coordinated busts reveal a multi-faceted drug threat facing Nigeria—from sophisticated international cocaine trafficking to large-scale domestic cannabis cultivation and the dangerous trade in diverted pharmaceuticals. The re-arrest of a convicted trafficker poses serious questions about the deterrent effect of current sentencing and fine structures for high-level drug barons.
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
