In a major crackdown on illicit drugs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted more than 7.6 million tramadol pills and over 76,273 kilograms of cannabis across multiple Nigerian states, while arresting dozens of suspected cartel members and distributors.

Key Operations and Arrests

• Delta State: On December 6, NDLEA raided a warehouse at Oko Market, Asaba, seizing 3,874,000 tramadol pills (225mg and 100mg) alongside other opioids and 252.2 liters of codeine syrup. The warehouse was described as a major distribution hub supplying the South-South and South-East regions.
• Anambra State: On December 3, operatives intercepted a commercial vehicle at Orogwe along the Onitsha–Owerri expressway, loaded with 1.2 million tramadol 225mg tablets. The suspect, 35-year-old Kelechi Nwakocha, was arrested.
• Adamawa State: Officers stopped a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 1,577,112 tramadol and Exol-5 capsules hidden in sacks of rubber sandals. Suspects Kabiru Buba (25) and Hamza Abubakar (32) were detained.
• Zaria-Kano Highway: Mudansir Rabiu (27) was arrested with 197,000 Exol-5 pills.

Cannabis Seizures Across States

NDLEA strike teams also dismantled extensive cannabis cultivation and storage networks:

• Ekiti State:
  • Omuo-Ekiti: 14,654kg of skunk destroyed; suspects Yusuf Iliyasu (50) and Okumu Chinedu (26) arrested.
  • Asin-Ekiti: 54,300kg of skunk burned; 28.3kg retained as court exhibits.
• Ondo State:
  • Igoba Forest, Akure North: 5,442kg of cannabis seized, including 2,483 compressed blocks and 247 bags; five suspects arrested.
• Federal Capital Territory (FCT):
  • Abaji Expressway: 22kg of Colorado seized; Ali Blessing (33) arrested.
  • Kwali-Gwagwalada: 24kg of skunk and 573,500 Exol-5 pills recovered; Aliyu Usman (39) detained.
• Niger State: 500kg of cannabis recovered in Mokwa-Jebba; Amos Yakubu (46) arrested.
• Lagos State:
  • Ladipo: 113kg of Canadian Loud confiscated from Ezenwa Udoka.
  • Onipanu: 351kg of skunk seized from Izuchukwu Usulor.
  • Trade Fair Complex: 104.1kg recovered from Susan Okoro.
• Edo State:
  • Agho Forest: 447.5kg of cannabis seized from two vehicles; Dada Adedara Babawibi (56) arrested.
  • Ohuwunde: 315.8kg confiscated; Stanley Obasuwa detained.

NDLEA Statement

According to Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, these operations, conducted between December 1 and 6, targeted Drug Trafficking Organisations (DTOs) and networks distributing illicit substances across state borders.

“These raids demonstrate our commitment to dismantling cartel operations and preventing the distribution of dangerous narcotics in Nigeria,” Babafemi stated.

The agency emphasized continued vigilance, warning that law enforcement will intensify efforts to intercept drugs and apprehend suspects across the country.