ABUJA (CHATNEWSTV) — In a string of coordinated operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted significant quantities of illicit drugs, arrested multiple suspects, and intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across Nigeria last week.
Engineer Arrested Over South African Drug Shipment
On Monday, December 2, operatives apprehended Egwu Phillip Inya, a 42-year-old building engineer, at Okeyson motor park in Enugu. Egwu was attempting to retrieve three pressure machines shipped from South Africa, which concealed 7.40 kilograms of Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain.
The consignment, flagged upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on November 29, was monitored by NDLEA officers through the clearing process and to a logistics warehouse. The importer diverted the collection point to Enugu at the last minute. “Our operatives were ready, and Egwu was arrested during the follow-up operation,” NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement.
Massive Tramadol Seizure in Adamawa
In Adamawa, NDLEA operatives intercepted 511,000 tramadol pills abandoned in a Siena vehicle on the Hildi-Askira Uba route. The occupants fled after spotting the patrol team on Friday, December 6.
Cannabis Busts in Ekiti and Oyo States
In Ekiti, two suspects, Olanrewaju Alale (48) and Babatunde Kayode Ijadahun (55), were caught transporting 1,323 kilograms of cannabis in a J5 van. “The suspects confessed that the consignment was heading to the North for distribution,” Babafemi stated.
Similarly, in Oyo state, Adekunle Yusuf (33) was arrested on Idere Road, Igboora, with 704 kilograms of cannabis concealed in sacks on Friday, December 6.
Elderly Woman, Prominent Figure Arrested in Lagos
On Lagos Island, a 65-year-old grandmother, Ramata Bola Adeyemo, was arrested on December 6. NDLEA operatives seized 20.6 liters of codeine-based syrup from her residence.
In another Lagos operation, 4.7 kilograms of cannabis and 1.3 kilograms of tramadol were recovered from Alhaji Lawan Manga during a December 5 raid in Ikeja.
Nationwide Awareness Campaigns
Alongside enforcement, NDLEA continued its WADA campaign, hosting sensitization programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. “From Lagos to Maiduguri, and Rivers to Kano, our officers educated Nigerians on the dangers of drug abuse,” Babafemi noted, highlighting events at Muslim Grammar School in Ede, Government Girls College in Maiduguri, and Santa Maria Secondary School in Igogoro, among others.
Marwa Commends Officers
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the operatives for their dedication to both enforcement and prevention. “These operational successes and our balanced approach to reducing drug supply and demand are critical to our mission,” Marwa said, applauding the contributions of NDLEA officers nationwide.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse, urging Nigerians to support its efforts to safeguard communities.
