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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted over 7.6 million tramadol pills and more than 76,273 kilogrammes of cannabis in a string of intelligence-led operations across multiple states.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, its spokesperson, the agency said the raids were conducted between December 1 and 6.
Babafemi said the raids targeted major drug trafficking routes, warehouses and forest hideouts used by organised drug cartels, and that several suspects linked to the trafficking networks were arrested.
MAJOR OPIOID SEIZURES IN DELTA, IMO, ADAMAWA
According to the statement, operatives recovered 3,874,000 tramadol pills of 225mg and 100mg strengths, alongside 252.2 litres of codeine syrup, from a warehouse at Oko Market in Asaba, Delta state, on December 6.
Three days earlier, officers intercepted a vehicle at Orogwe along the Onitsha–Owerri road in Imo state, seizing 1.2 million tramadol 225mg tablets.
The driver, 35-year-old Kelechi Nwakocha, was arrested. The consignment was reportedly loaded in Aba and headed for Onitsha.
In Adamawa state, operatives intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus travelling from Jos to Mubi on December 1 and discovered 1,577,112 capsules of tramadol and exol-5 concealed in jumbo bags mixed with new rubber sandals.
Two suspects, Kabiru Buba (25) and Hamza Abubakar (32), were arrested.
A separate arrest was made along the Zaria–Kano road, where Mudansir Rabiu, 27, was found with 197,000 exol-5 pills.
DRUG WAREHOUSES DESTROYED IN EKITI AND ONDO FORESTS
The statement further said a special NDLEA operations unit raided deep forest locations across Ekiti state, destroying vast quantities of stored cannabis.
In Omuo-Ekiti, officers burnt 14,654kg of skunk and arrested two suspects – Yusuf Iliyasu, (50) and Okumu Chinedu (26).
Another operation on December 2 in Asin-Ekiti, Ikole LGA, led to the destruction of two large warehouses containing 54,300kg of skunk, while 28.3kg was recovered as evidence.
On the same day, operatives stormed Igoba forest in Akure North LGA, Ondo state, recovering 5,442kg of skunk from 2,483 compressed blocks and 247 bags.
Five suspects — Jacob Omodowo (66), Joy Oluatobi Peace (24), Babatunde Olamide (40), Echi Fidelis Joseph (57), and Ankrah Akano (56) — were apprehended.
MORE ARRESTS IN NIGER, FCT, LAGOS AND EDO
NDLEA officers in Niger state seized 500kg of cannabis from a Mercedes Benz van along the Mokwa–Jebba Road on December 4, and arrested one Amos Yakubu, the driver.
In Abuja, operatives intercepted 22kg of colorado, a synthetic cannabis, along the Abaji expressway.
A follow-up operation at Jabi Park led to the arrest of 33-year-old Ali Blessing identified as the intended receiver.
Another suspect, Aliyu Usman, 39, was arrested on December 5 with 24kg of skunk and 573,500 exol-5 pills on the Kwali–Gwagwalada expressway.
In Lagos, NDLEA recovered 113kg of canadian loud from a suspect, Ezenwa Udoka, at Ladipo market.
Additional arrests included Izuchukwu Usulor, found with 351kg of skunk in Onipanu on December 5, and Susan Okoro, arrested with 104.1kg at the Trade Fair Complex on December 2.
The agency also recorded significant seizures in Edo state as its officers recovered 447.5kg of skunk from two vehicles at Agho Forest in Akoko Edo LGA, arresting Dada Adedara Babawibi.
A raid on a warehouse in Isiefve community, Ohuwunde LGA, yielded 315.8kg of skunk and the arrest of Stanley Obasuwa.
NDLEA INTENSIFIES ANTI-DRUG EDUCATION
The NDLEA says it has continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation programmes across various commands, targeting schools, worship centres and communities.
Recent engagements included lectures at St. Michael’s Academy in Kano, Harry Pass Secondary School in Benue, and Community Junior Secondary School, Okuru-Ama, Rivers state.
Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, commended the officers and commands involved in the operations, noting that their combined efforts in drug demand and supply reduction remain critical to national security.
