NDLEA Busts Major Drug Trafficking Operations Across Nigeria
The NDLEA has arrested an Angolan businessman at Kano airport for trafficking cocaine. Further attempts to smuggle drugs from Nigeria to other countries have also been thwarted. Large quantities of illicit drugs were seized, and the agency continues efforts for public education against drug abuse as part of their commitment to combat trafficking.
On February 25, 2025, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended Mbala Abuba, a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano. He attempted to smuggle approximately 1.829 kilograms of cocaine into Turkey by ingesting 120 pellets, later expelled during excretion observation. Despite the NDLEA’s rigorous efforts to curtail drug trafficking, other incidents of attempted cocaine smuggling were reported, including the arrest of Ebuka Igwe, who concealed cocaine in vehicle propellers for export from Lagos.
In a separate operation, Ezechi Cyprian was arrested on February 23, 2025, while attempting to transport 5.40 kilograms of cocaine to Owerri, Imo State, using his vehicle. Concurrently, the NDLEA discovered 128 parcels of cannabis concealed within two mattresses at the Tin Can Island port, leading to the arrest of the consignee, Bamidele Joseph, on February 28. Furthermore, a significant raid resulted in the destruction of over 50,000 kilograms of cannabis on a large farm in Delta State, with five suspects taken into custody during the operation.
Additional operations resulted in the interception of a Mercedes-Benz truck containing 101 bags of skunk weighing a total of 1,111 kilograms in Delta. NDLEA officers also raided warehouses in Edo State, recovering 1,409.5 kilograms of cannabis. Several other arrests were made across various states, including the seizure of tramadol tablets and skunk in Osun and Borno states. The agency remains proactive in combating drug abuse and trafficking across Nigeria.
The NDLEA has implemented various public awareness programs regarding drug abuse, conducting educational lectures in schools and local communities to sensitize the public on the dangers of substance abuse. These efforts are a part of their ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), fostering community involvement in addressing drug-related issues. NDLEA actions underline their commitment to curbing drug trafficking and promoting public health and safety in Nigeria.
The ongoing efforts of the NDLEA have resulted in the apprehension of numerous individuals attempting to traffic drugs across Nigeria. Significant quantities of various illicit substances have been seized, reflecting the agency’s commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking. Education and community engagement remain pivotal, as the NDLEA continues to implement public awareness initiatives to mitigate the impact of drug-related issues in society.
Original Source: businessday.ng
