The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major blow to drug traffickers, intercepting multiple consignments of illicit substances concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs, and female clothing.
The shipments were destined for the United States, United Kingdom, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
NDLEA confirmed the seizures and arrests through an official press release on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The disclosure highlighted coordinated operations at airports, courier companies, and across field locations.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Arrests Drug Kingpins, Foils Supply to Terrorists
On October 7, NDLEA officers arrested cargo agent Boladale Riliwan after discovering 15 parcels of skunk a potent cannabis strain hidden in 10 giant rechargeable electrical bulbs at Lagos airport. The shipment was intended for the DRC.
A week later, 48-year-old Olawale Oyebola Hakeemot, a UK-based Public Health Assistant, was caught at MMIA Terminal 2. Officers found 2,300 tramadol 225mg pills hidden in frozen snails in her luggage. She planned to fly to Manchester, UK, via Qatar Airways.
Furthermore, on October 16, NDLEA intercepted 810 bromazepam pills hidden in female clothing at a Lagos courier company. These pills were destined for the United States.
In Adamawa, Bello Buba tried to smuggle 38,270 tramadol pills hidden in his Honda Civic’s spare tyre, boot, and door compartments. NDLEA officers intercepted him at the Namtari checkpoint in Yola South LGA.
NDLEA also destroyed 53,250kg of skunk on a 21.3-hectare farm in Ilawe, Ekiti. Officers recovered 1,140kg of the substance from suspects Matthew Emmanuel (26), James Moses (27), and Israel Samuel (20). Similarly, in Ondo State, officers eradicated 17,400kg of skunk on a 6.96-hectare plantation at Aponmu Forest Reserve, Akure.
READ ALSO: Two Drug Kingpins Jailed as NDLEA Records Major Court Victory
In Oyo State, four suspects Aliyu Muhammed (50), Babarinde Segun (32), Ogunbiyi Sanjo (30), and Ajani Oluro (30) were caught with 596kg of skunk at Apata-Ako, Igboora. Additionally, Jacob Afolabi (30) and Salako Oluwatobi (25) were arrested with 273kg at Odo-Oyan, Igangan.
Elsewhere, Joseph Andrew in Ogun State possessed 88kg of skunk, while Festus Udoh (42) carried 13,000 opioids along the Onitsha-Owerri road in Imo State. In Enugu, officers recovered 74.5kg of skunk from Joseph Chukwujama’s store in Umuogbo-Agu village.
In Lagos, authorities seized 117kg of skunk from Ramoni Olukowi in Mushin on October 18. Moreover, a joint operation with Customs at Apapa Port intercepted 80,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup from India on October 14.
READ ALSO: NDLEA, Education Ministry Target Campus Drug Use
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continues to educate communities through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) programme. Officers recently held awareness sessions in schools, workplaces, and worship centers, including Commercial Grammar School, Igogo Ekiti; Junior Secondary Smart School, Kasarawa, Katsina; Government Technical College, Ahoada, Rivers; and St. Peter’s College, Olomore, Abeokuta.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers for their vigilance. He urged them to maintain a balanced approach in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
