The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has again intercepted large consignments of opioids concealed in building materials, arrested a 75-year-old suspect in Ebonyi State, and dismantled multiple drug rings across several states.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who confirmed the operations in a statement on Sunday, noted that coordinated intelligence-led raids were also carried out in Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano and Gombe states.
In Taraba State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck loaded with building materials along the Onitsha–Jalingo route at Nukkai Timber Shade, following credible intelligence.
A detailed search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a large cache of illicit drugs concealed beneath the cargo. A 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested in connection with the shipment.
Recovered substances included 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 tablets of Rohypnol, and 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.
In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 75-year-old man, Okebe Samuel, in Okposi for alleged involvement in drug distribution.
He was found with 300 grams of skunk, reportedly packaged in retail sachets and sold to youths within his community.
The agency described the arrest as evidence that age does not shield offenders from enforcement actions.
Female Drug Dealers Nabbed in Imo, Edo and Gombe
In Imo State, a raid on a drug hotspot at Umulolo, Orlu, led to the arrest of 32-year-old Chioma Okeke, with eight kilograms of skunk recovered from the scene.
In Edo State, a coordinated sweep of drug hotspots across Benin City resulted in the arrest of four suspects, including three women.
At Uyosa, Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, were arrested with various quantities of skunk, Loud and methamphetamine. Another suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was arrested along Agbor Road with different narcotic substances.
At Upper Mission, Benin City, Henry Okey, 43, was also arrested with multiple psychotropic substances, including Loud, Colorado, Swinol and methamphetamine.
In Gombe State, NDLEA operatives intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Sabastine Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza, Tumfure, with 15,000 capsules of tramadol.
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In Kano State, a 19-year-old suspect, Saifullahi Lawan, was arrested in the Kafi area of Madobi on Thursday, June 4, with 40 blocks of skunk weighing 38 kilograms.
The agency also sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign across schools nationwide, delivering lectures to students in Oyo, Lagos, Anambra and Kano States, among others.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended officers across the affected commands for their resilience and coordination.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and targeting offenders irrespective of age, gender or concealment tactics.
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.