The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel using Nigeria as a transit hub to Europe and Asia, arresting its Nigerian coordinator as he attempted to leave the country.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) who said the operation in Lagos, south west Nigeria, described it as one of the agency’s most significant narcotics investigations in recent years.
The operation also produced the largest cocaine seizure recorded at a courier company in Nigeria.
According to him, the investigation began after NDLEA officers intercepted 184.50 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a consignment for onward export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos.
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Marwa immediately ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team to trace the network behind the shipment, from couriers to its masterminds.
The cartel expected to make as much as 39 billion naira from the consignment through its international distribution network.
NDLEA Investigators
Working with the courier company’s management, NDLEA investigators uncovered intermediary companies and individuals involved in processing the shipment.
The investigation led to the arrest of two key suspects, among others.
One suspect, Lawal Mujab Kehinde, worked for the logistics company that processed the cocaine shipment.
Investigators found that he maintained a direct and sustained relationship with the cartel’s Nigerian coordinator.
They also established that he packaged and processed consignments for the syndicate and routed them to the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia in return for cash payments.
The second suspect, Afolabi Kazeem Michael, is known online as “KC Luxury”. Investigators identified him as the cartel’s Nigerian arrowhead.
Afolabi presented himself as a social media influencer and businessman dealing in gold, jewellery and luxury goods.
According to NDLEA, he used that public image to conceal a cocaine trafficking operation linking South America, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.
Agency Received
Marwa said the cartel leader attempted to flee Nigeria after the agency received intelligence about his plans.
“On the night of 13th August 2026, upon credible intelligence that he intended to flee the country on a business-class flight to Paris, our operatives moved decisively and apprehended him at the boarding gate of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos,” Marwa said.
The suspect had €7,750, £2,800 and ₦100,000 in cash, alongside expensive jewellery, according to the NDLEA chief.
Investigators later searched his luxury apartment on Banana Island, Ikoyi, where they recovered exotic vehicles.
Marwa said the cartel used false identities to conceal the real consignors of its shipments. It also relied on financial facilitators who moved billions of naira on its behalf.
The investigation further uncovered criminal contacts in the United Kingdom. Some members of the syndicate have since been arrested by British authorities in connection with the same network.
Marwa linked the operation to recent NDLEA successes against other transnational drug networks.
Those cases include the dismantling of the Switzerland-based Simon Amadi drug cartel. The group allegedly laundered millions of dollars through dark web marketplaces.
The agency has also dismantled two Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine syndicates. The groups operated clandestine laboratories in forests across Ogun and Oyo states.
“These operations send an unmistakable signal that this Agency’s reach extends into the ports, the forests, the luxury apartments, and the departure lounges alike,” Marwa said.
He said that the agency would continue targeting traffickers regardless of where they operate within Nigeria.
Marwa said drug trafficking organisations have increasingly moved away from traditional entry points such as seaports.
According to him, traffickers now view courier and logistics companies as less monitored channels for moving narcotics across international borders.
“There is no alternative route into or out of Nigeria for illicit drugs that this Agency cannot police,” he said.
The NDLEA chief said the latest investigation demonstrated the agency’s ability to trace drug networks from the initial seizure to their organisers.
The case also highlights the growing role of international cooperation in tackling transnational narcotics trafficking. The near-simultaneous arrests of suspects in Nigeria and the United Kingdom formed part of the operation.
Marwa commended the agency’s international partners and the Special Investigation Team. The team operated under the coordination of the Director of Operations and General Investigation.
Marwa warned traffickers against using wealth, luxury brands or social media profiles to conceal criminal activities.
“To those who believe they can hide behind luxury brands, glamorous lifestyles, and social media personas while trafficking poison into our communities and across our borders, this Agency will find you,” he said.
He said the agency would continue working to prevent Nigeria from becoming a conduit for international drug trafficking.
The NDLEA also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian communities and young people from the effects of illicit drugs.
