…AGENCY ALSO ARRESTS TWO WOMEN SELLING DRUG-LACED BROWNIES ONLINE
In a sweeping nationwide operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled at least six major drug trafficking syndicates, seized large consignments of illicit substances, and arrested nine suspected kingpins across multiple states.
The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed on Sunday, 23rd November 2025, that the coordinated raids—driven by intelligence and surveillance—foiled sophisticated smuggling attempts involving machine cylinders, automotive parts, commercial trailers, and warehouse networks.
Sophisticated Concealment at Airport, Onitsha
On 18th November, operatives arrested two members of a trafficking network in Onitsha, Anambra State, after they arrived to collect packages containing 5.40kg of methamphetamine, 10.70kg of Loud (a potent cannabis strain), 16g of cocaine, and other illicit chemicals concealed inside pressure machine cylinders imported from South Africa.
Those arrested were 30-year-old Ebulue Lotanwa Uzochukwu, an electronics dealer, and 51-year-old returnee Christopher Michael Ndibuisi.
The consignment, which arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aboard a TAG-Angola flight on 13th November, was intercepted based on intelligence before NDLEA tracked and arrested the intended recipients in Onitsha.
Cocaine Hidden in Auto Parts
At the Lagos airport, NDLEA officers on 20th November intercepted a brake-servo automobile component stuffed with 48 cocaine pellets and a block of cocaine weighing 2.30kg and destined for Gabon. Two suspects, freight agent Ameh Solomon and auto-parts dealer Nwafor Tochukwu Boniface, were arrested.
Massive Skunk Seizures Across States
A trailer transporting 4,700kg of skunk was intercepted in Kabba, Kogi State. Three escorts were arrested, while a follow-up operation in Jos on 21st November led to the capture of the alleged owner, Marcus Danladi Dan Mangu.
In Cross River, a couple, Onun Okoi Okpotum (55) and Itam Okoi Okpotum (52), were arrested after NDLEA recovered 4,706kg of skunk from their warehouse in Ugep.
Drug-Laced Brownies Syndicate Busted
In Edo State, two young women—19-year-old Praise Nwogu and 25-year-old Ebong Emem Oghosa—were arrested in Benin City for producing and selling brownies infused with cannabis and Colorado online. Officers recovered plates of brownies alongside various quantities of illicit substances.
Other Operations Nationwide
• Akoko-Edo, Edo State: Arrest of 35-year-old Shedrack Aminu with 59kg of skunk.
• Enugu State: Interception of 10.1kg of skunk, 105,600 tramadol pills, pentazocine injections, and 3,000 rounds of live ammunition from 24-year-old Chinoso Emmanuel Monday.
• Kebbi State: Recovery of 13,155 bottles of codeine syrup from a warehouse and the arrest of 23-year-old Umar Adamu with 12,548 opioid pills disguised as paracetamol and allegedly headed for a Boko Haram enclave in Borno.
• FCT and Niger: Multiple arrests involving hundreds of kilograms of cannabis, codeine syrup, and opioids along the Abaji–Abuja expressway and Kaduna road.
• Lagos: Seizure of 71kg of Canadian Loud and 2.6kg of Colorado from operations in Lekki; 385kg recovered from the notorious Peti enclave on Lagos Island; and 163,200 tramadol capsules recovered in Maza Maza.
NDLEA Intensifies War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)
In addition to operational raids, NDLEA’s WADA campaign continued across schools and communities in Oyo, Lagos, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Enugu, Ogun and other states within the week.
Marwa: Festive Season Won’t Be an Opportunity for Traffickers
NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) praised officers across all commands for their effectiveness and affirmed that the agency is heightening its vigilance ahead of the festive season.
He said drug cartels often attempt to escalate trafficking activities during this period, but the agency is determined to maintain an “unrelenting offensive.”
“The coming weeks present both an opportunity and a challenge. Drug cartels may attempt to increase their illegal activities… We will not let down our guard,” Marwa stated.
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