Major Drug Raids Across Nigeria: NDLEA Captures Kingpins, Intercepts Shipments

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recorded a series of major breakthroughs in nationwide anti-drug operations, leading to the arrest of key suspects, including kingpins, and the interception of significant drug consignments across multiple states. 

The most notable operation unfolded in Lagos, where NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted 3.10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in tins of palm kernel oil bound for the United Kingdom. Two suspects linked to the shipment were arrested at the export shed, triggering a chain of intelligence-led operations that exposed a wider trafficking network.

A follow-up sting operation led to the arrest of the sender, who had been operating under a false identity, and subsequently to the capture of the syndicate’s kingpin, 52-year-old King Arinze, in the Isolo area of Lagos. A raid on his warehouse uncovered 886 tins prepared for drug concealment, alongside industrial sealing machines, tools, and other materials used in packaging illicit consignments. The suspect reportedly admitted to orchestrating the concealment process. 

In a separate operation in Borno State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 28-year-old woman along the Gamboru Ngala road with 4.3 kilograms of “Colorado,” a potent synthetic strain of cannabis. She is believed to be supplying drugs to armed groups operating within the North-East region.

Meanwhile, in Lagos State, a pastor and his wife were apprehended at the Gbaji checkpoint in Badagry after officers discovered 11 kilograms of skunk concealed in hidden compartments of their vehicle. Their arrest followed the earlier interception of a suspected fake security agent at the same checkpoint, who was caught transporting 24.5 kilograms of skunk into Lagos.

In Adamawa State, NDLEA officers intercepted a truck carrying 48,000 tramadol pills along Namtari Road in Yola South, leading to the arrest of both the driver and the intended recipient.

Further coordinated operations across the country yielded substantial seizures and arrests:

In Osun State, a suspect was arrested in Osogbo with 15kg of skunk.

In Ondo State, operatives raided a forest in Akure, recovering 351kg of skunk and cannabis seeds.

In Benue State, a suspect was apprehended in Aliade with 28,600 tramadol capsules.

In Edo State, a warehouse raid in Orhionmwon Local Government Area led to the seizure of 1,378kg of skunk.

In Oyo State, a notorious drug dealer was arrested in Ibadan with 45.6kg of skunk, with intelligence revealing she allegedly used a minor to distribute illicit substances.

Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign nationwide, engaging schools and communities in states including Lagos, Oyo, Kano, Anambra, and Zamfara.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers across the various commands for their efforts, noting that the successes reflect the agency’s growing intelligence capacity and firm resolve to disrupt drug trafficking networks.

He reiterated that the agency remains committed to targeting traffickers regardless of their methods or cover, while also strengthening public awareness to curb drug abuse across the country.