Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking in Nigeria, intercepting a large consignment of cocaine concealed in heads of dry stock fish and recovering fentanyl, methamphetamine, and morphine sulphate in UK-bound automobile parts shipments.
In a major breakthrough, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) intercepted three jumbo size bags containing 237 wraps of cocaine, weighing 5.80 kilograms, concealed in heads of imported dry stock fish on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The consignment was intended for export to Delhi, India, and was found in possession of 36-year-old Akputa Dickson Ejike, a key member of the syndicate.
This seizure is part of a larger crackdown on drug trafficking in Nigeria, with NDLEA operatives also recovering 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in automobile filters bound for the UK, as well as 40 ampoules of Morphine Sulphate and 9 ampoules of Fentanyl in a separate shipment.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, 46, a female head of a notorious drug syndicate, and her sales girl, Sarah Zainab Agbabiaka, 31, seizing 135 blocks of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 76.30kg. Omolade, popularly known as Iya Ghana, trades in local fabric on the surface but beneath runs a drug distribution network between Nigeria and Ghana.
The agency also arrested Anayo Lucky Ohabiro, 39, at Doyin bus stop, Surulere, Lagos, seizing 78 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 41kg. In Ekiti state, an 80-year-old grandpa, Oke Samuel, was arrested with 2.2kg skunk and 1.8grams of methamphetamine.
Other notable seizures include 894.72kg of psychoactive substance seized from Enuwa Kehinde Kingsley, 37, in Ondo state, 116.7kg skunk seized from Saater Nyam, 35, in Benue state, and 576.5kg skunk and 33 bottles of codeine-based syrup seized from Felix Donald, 25, in Edo state.
In Taraba state, NDLEA officers intercepted a truck marked DUT 457 ZB, conveying 100 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 135 kilograms concealed in bags of animal feed from Garbachede to Gombe state. Two suspects, Osama Mamuda, 21, and Auwal Umar, 22, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The NDLEA has been actively engaged in War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy activities, delivering sensitization lectures to students and staff across the country.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the officers and men of the agency for their efforts in combating drug trafficking, saying they are pursuing a fair balance between drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
The agency’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and promote a drug-free Nigeria. With these latest seizures and arrests, the NDLEA is sending a strong message to those involved in the illicit trade: Nigeria will not be a haven for drug traffickers.