The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking and abuse across Nigeria, with several successful operations in the past week. In Lagos, NDLEA operatives raided a hotel in Victoria Island between April 25th and 26th, uncovering 589 bags of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing a total of 417.3 kilograms. The drugs, valued at ₦1,042,500,000, were hidden within the premises of a five-storey hotel used as a cover for the illicit trade. Three individuals—Eze Ayitu, Ofuokwu Samuel, and Emmanuel Ameh—were arrested, while two others, Noble Philip and Kenneth, are still at large. Authorities also seized vehicles, electronics, and other items believed to be proceeds from the drug trade.

Meanwhile, in Jigawa and Kano, operatives intercepted a large shipment of opioids. On April 23rd, they seized 200,000 pills of tramadol and 217,500 capsules of pregabalin from a vehicle traveling from Kano to Niger Republic and Yobe state. Two suspects, Abba Ibrahim (28) and Shuaibu Umar (29), were arrested. Following up on the intelligence, operatives arrested 41-year-old Jamilu Muhammad in Kano and discovered an additional 2 million pills of tramadol. This brings the total number of opioids seized in the operation to over 2 million pills.

In another major operation, NDLEA officers intercepted a shipment of cocaine and other drugs at a courier company in Lagos on April 23rd. They found 46 wraps of cocaine weighing 547 grams, concealed in body cream, intended for Saudi Arabia. In addition, 1.8 kilograms of pentazocine injection and 60 grams of bromazepam tablets were also seized, destined for Canada.

NDLEA operatives also foiled an international drug smuggling attempt on April 20th, arresting three Ghanaian women at the Gbaji checkpoint in Badagry, Lagos, for attempting to smuggle 4.8 kilograms of Ghana Loud into Nigeria. In Kano, a 60-year-old woman, Safiya Shamsu, was arrested on April 25th with 5.6 kilograms of cannabis, while Muntari Labaran was apprehended in Dala LGA for possessing 100 liters of codeine syrup.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives raided illegal cannabis plantations in Ugbodu community on April 24th, destroying 3,814.9 kilograms of skunk. Three individuals—Samuel Samson, Daniel Peter, and Abel Edah—were arrested in connection with the cultivation.

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness about drug abuse, NDLEA has been conducting sensitization programs through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. Recently, NDLEA officers delivered lectures to students and staff at schools in Katsina, Sokoto, and Anambra, while also visiting the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, to promote drug abuse prevention.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman of NDLEA, praised the agency's operatives for their tireless efforts and success in both drug supply reduction and drug demand prevention, commending their commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.

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