In a sweeping offensive against drug trafficking organisations (DTOs), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled six major syndicates, seized tons of illicit drugs and arresting nine kingpins in intelligence-led operations across Nigeria.
On 18th November 2025, NDLEA officers intercepted 5.40 kilograms of methamphetamine, 10.70 kilograms of Loud (high-potency cannabis), 16 grams of cocaine, and other controlled substances hidden inside pressure machine cylinders imported from South Africa. Two suspects, electrical appliances dealer Ebulue Lotanwa Uzochukwu, 30, and 51-year-old South Africa returnee Christopher Michael Ndibuisi, were arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State. The consignment had arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja-Lagos, on 13th November.
In a separate Lagos operation on 20th November, cocaine weighing 2.30 kilograms was discovered concealed in a brake servo automobile part bound for Gabon. Freight agent Ameh Solomon and auto parts dealer Nwafor Tochukwu Boniface were arrested.
NDLEA also intercepted a trailer carrying 4,700 kilograms of skunk cannabis in Kogi State on 17th November, arresting Solomon Dauda, Friday Garba, and Daniel Danladi. Subsequent operations led to the arrest of kingpin Marcus Danladi Dan Mangu in Jos, Plateau State.
In Cross River State, a couple, Onun Okoi Okpotum (55) and Itam Okoi Okpotum (52), were arrested on 19th November with 4,706 kilograms of skunk at their warehouse in Ugep, Yakur LGA. Edo State saw the arrest of two women, Praise Nwogu (19) and Ebong Emem Oghosa (25), involved in the production and online sale of drug-laced brownies.
Other significant seizures included 10.1 kilograms of skunk, 105,600 tramadol pills, 700 ampoules of pentazocine, and 3,000 rounds of live ammunition intercepted on Enugu-Onitsha road; 13,155 bottles of codeine-based syrup in Kebbi State; and 139 pouches of Canadian Loud weighing 71 kilograms in Lekki, Lagos.
NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), applauded officers and formations across the country for their relentless enforcement efforts, particularly as the festive season approaches. He emphasized the need to sustain vigilance against drug traffickers who often exploit holiday periods to expand illegal operations.
“Our officers are committed to a balanced approach combining intelligence-led interdictions, community engagement, and sensitization campaigns across schools, worship centres, and communities,” Marwa said.
The agency continue to intensify the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), educating the public on the dangers of drug abuse while actively dismantling drug trafficking networks nationwide.
