The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a trans-border drug trafficking syndicate, arresting four members in intelligence-led operations.
The agency recovered tramadol pills worth millions of naira, which had been concealed in the bumper and false bottom of Sienna buses heading toward border towns.
Following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the Directorate of Intelligence, NDLEA operatives intercepted a Sienna bus with registration number ABJ 452 HG on Nasarawa-Toto road, Keffi, Nasarawa State, at 6:00 a.m. on January 27, 2025.
Two suspects, Zahradeen Adamu (27) and Abubakar Usman (44) were arrested while transporting the illicit drugs from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Yola, Adamawa State. A second Sienna bus, driven by Abba Usman (48), was also stopped.
A thorough search of both vehicles led to the discovery of 190,960 tramadol pills hidden inside specially constructed steel compartments behind the back bumper and in the space meant for spare tyres. Further investigations revealed that the consignment was supplied by Kingsley Mbaeri, a drug dealer based in Onitsha, Anambra State.
A swift follow-up operation led to his arrest at his residence on Uga Street, Onitsha, on January 29. Two vehicles—a Toyota Corolla (FGG 948 MF) and a Toyota Sienna (GWA 23 HH)—were recovered from his home.
Additional Drug Interceptions And Arrests
On February 4, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus from Onitsha, Anambra State, at Abaji checkpoint, FCT Abuja. A passenger, Chimezie Henry Ojingwa (32), carrying motor spare parts in a black bag was arrested. A search revealed 404.47 grams of methamphetamine, 506.49 grams of Loud (a synthetic strain of cannabis), and 262.32 grams of dimethyl sulfone (a precursor for meth production) concealed within the spare parts.
On February 13, NDLEA officers patrolling Ogoja-Abakaliki road in Yahe, Cross River State, intercepted a truck carrying 170,000 tramadol pills. The driver, Paul Chukwudi (31), was taken into custody.
On February 11, operatives at Apapa Seaport, Lagos, seized 85,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup from a container imported from India.
On February 14, two suspects, Halilu Isa and Gambo Umaru, were arrested on Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, with 60 compressed blocks of skunk (a strain of cannabis) weighing 72kg.
On February 11, NDLEA operatives in Ekiti State raided a notorious drug joint on Iloda Street, Ikole-Ekiti, arresting three suspects: Bala Muhammed (57), Yahaya Adamu (55), and Abdullahi Shehu (30). A total of 83kg of skunk was recovered from them.
In Lagos, Samiat Olabisi Yussuf (28) was arrested on February 15 at her Lekki residence, where 169.5 litres of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and 111 grams of Loud were recovered.
In Taraba, two suspects, Ibrahim Usman (40) and Solomon James (40), were caught with a total of 132.84kg of skunk. Usman was found with 88kg of Arizona and Ghana Loud in Wukari, while James was arrested with 44.84kg of the same substance in Takanaba, Sabongari, Jalingo LGA.
Nationwide WADA Sensitization Campaign
Across the country, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign through lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, traditional palaces, and communities. Some highlights include:
Akwa Ibom – Sensitization lecture at Government Technical College, Oku.
Oyo State – Lecture at Future Leaders Academy, Kishi.
Sokoto – Awareness session at Government Secondary School, Bashire.
Abia – Lecture at Ehere Comprehensive School, Ogbor Hill.
Jigawa – Education session at Government Day Secondary School, Taura.
Ekiti – Lecture at Jesuit College, Agbado-Ekiti.
Kano – Special enlightenment program for married women in purdah at Markaz Umar Bn Khattab Centre.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the efforts of the Directorate of Intelligence and the Apapa, Cross River, Borno, Ekiti, Taraba, and Lagos Commands for their successful operations.
He also commended NDLEA officers nationwide for intensifying WADA sensitization lectures and spreading awareness about drug abuse across the country.
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