NDLEA’s Ongoing Battle Against Drug Trafficking in Nigeria

The NDLEA has arrested an Angolan businessman at Kano Airport for attempting to smuggle cocaine to Turkey by ingesting it. Another suspect was caught with cocaine concealed in vehicle parts, while significant drug seizures occurred in Edo and Delta States. NDLEA continues its aggressive campaign against drug trafficking, holding educational initiatives to combat drug abuse across communities.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a 42-year-old businessman from Angola, Mbala Abuba, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) while he was attempting to smuggle cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey. On February 25, 2025, he was detained after a body scan revealed he had ingested narcotics, leading to the expulsion of 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.829 kilograms during observation. Abuba, who claimed to have previously run a delivery service in Angola, now faces serious charges in connection with the drug trade.

In a separate incident, Ebuka Igwe attempted to send 1.10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, but was apprehended on February 24th due to NDLEA’s intelligence efforts. During questioning, Igwe stated that he was engaged in auto parts sales. Meanwhile, Ezechi Cyprian was arrested in Owerri with 5.40 kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle after weeks of surveillance.

Moreover, NDLEA officials uncovered 128 parcels of Canadian Loud— a potent strain of cannabis— hidden within mattresses at Tin Can Island Port, weighing over 63.75 kilograms. The consignee, Bamidele Joseph, has been taken into custody. In Delta State, NDLEA, alongside military forces, destroyed over 50,000 kilograms of cannabis cultivated on a substantial farm.

Additionally, the agency intercepted 101 bags of skunk, totaling 1,111 kilograms, from a truck in Delta. Law enforcement also seized over 1,400 kilograms of skunk in Edo State, with several suspects arrested. NDLEA’s operations also resulted in the apprehension of individuals possessing large quantities of tramadol and other narcotics in various states, as the agency persists in its crackdown on illegal drugs.

The NDLEA continues its commitment to the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), conducting awareness programs across schools and communities. Educational initiatives were held in numerous locations including Lagos and Anambra, further informing the public about the dangers associated with drug abuse and trafficking.

The NDLEA’s recent operations exemplify a vigorous campaign against drug trafficking in Nigeria, demonstrating success in various arrests and seizures. Comprehensive efforts are ongoing to address narcotics trafficking, enhance public awareness, and combat drug abuse through community engagement and education. The arrests of multiple suspects and the significant quantities of drugs intercepted underscore the persistent challenge that drug trafficking poses in the region.

Original Source: businessday.ng