In a sweeping nationwide offensive against drug trafficking networks, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled at least six major syndicates, seizing large quantities of illegal substances and arresting nine suspected drug kingpins in a series of intelligence-driven operations.
On November 18, 2025, operatives in Onitsha, Anambra State arrested two members of a drug cartel who attempted to collect illicit consignments concealed in pressure machine cylinders imported from South Africa. The shipment, which arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on November 13, contained 5.40kg methamphetamine, 10.70kg Loud cannabis, 16 grams of cocaine, as well as phenacetin, methcathinone and caffeine. The suspects, 30-year-old trader Ebulue Lotanwa Uzochukwu and 51-year-old South Africa returnee Christopher Michael Ndibuisi, were apprehended during a sting operation.
In another operation at MMIA on November 20, NDLEA operatives intercepted a brake servo spare part used to conceal 48 pellets and a block of cocaine weighing 2.30kg and heading to Gabon. Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of freight handler Ameh Solomon and auto parts dealer Nwafor Tochukwu Boniface.
A string of similar raids led to some major breakthroughs across the country. In Kogi, officers intercepted a trailer conveying 4.7 tons of cannabis and later arrested the alleged owner, Marcus Danladi Dan Mangu, in Jos. In Cross River, a couple running a drug warehouse was arrested after officials recovered 362 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 4,706kg.
In Edo State, two women involved in the production and online sale of drug-laced brownies were arrested in Benin City, while further seizures of cannabis and synthetic drugs were made in Enugu, Kebbi, Niger, Lagos, the FCT and other areas. Many suspects were also arrested moving opioids, codeine-based syrup, tramadol and cocaine concealed in different items, including auto parts and false packaging.
Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, commended the participating commands for their coordinated effort, while restating that the sustained crackdown was necessary ahead of the festive period, which drug cartels always take advantage of to increase trafficking. He called on officers in all states to be vigilant, saying the Agency was committed to maintaining its balanced and proactive drug control strategy in the fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
