NDLEA breaks up major cross-border drug syndicates, arrests 6 kingpins

In a series of meticulously executed operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a severe blow to international drug trafficking by dismantling two prominent cross-border syndicates.

This move, which targeted groups responsible for supplying illicit drugs to terrorist networks in Nigeria and Cameroon, resulted in the seizure of cocaine, opioids, and other narcotics valued at billions of naira, and the arrest of six high-profile leaders.

Coordinated Operations and Arrests
After months of intense intelligence gathering and covert surveillance, the NDLEA launched simultaneous operations across Nigeria. Key figures apprehended include Ibrahim Bawuro and Najib Ibrahim, arrested in Taraba State on October 8, 2024, during an attempted transport of 276,500 tramadol pills.

They abandoned the drugs mid-transport upon discovering they were being pursued. Follow-up operations led to the capture of their associates, Ezeh Amaechi Martin and Nelson Udechukwu Anayo, in Delta and Anambra states.

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In a separate high-stakes operation, NDLEA operatives arrested 37-year-old Adejumo Elijah Ishola at the Seme border in Lagos on November 5, 2024. Ishola, who had been under surveillance for his cross-border trafficking network, was caught with 3.3 kg of cocaine and 600 grams of synthetic cannabis.

Major Drug Seizures Across Nigeria
The crackdown yielded several notable seizures, further crippling the drug trade:

Apapa Seaport, Lagos: A significant joint operation involving NDLEA, Customs Service, and other agencies on November 6, 2024, led to the discovery of 31.75 million opioid pills concealed in a container labeled as diclofenac sodium tablets from India.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport: NDLEA officers intercepted 700 grams of Loud (a potent cannabis strain) on November 5, 2024, leading to the arrest of intended recipient, software engineer Olu Marshal.

Export Shed at Lagos Airport: On November 8, 2024, Orji Ogbonna Nnaorji was apprehended while attempting to export 32.5 kg of codeine syrup and 5.7 kg of cannabis disguised within tiger nuts cargo.

Additional raids in Kwara, Abuja, Plateau, Kano, Ondo, and Edo states resulted in the confiscation of large quantities of tramadol, codeine syrup, and cannabis.

Among these, significant seizures included 755.5 kg of cannabis intercepted near Abuja and 672 kg recovered in Ondo State.

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Public Awareness and Advocacy Efforts
Alongside these enforcement actions, NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

Over the past week, NDLEA officers have increased community engagement through educational outreach in schools, workplaces, and traditional institutions.

Highlights include a meeting with HRM Omo N’Oba N’Edo, the Oba of Benin, and awareness drives in Lagos, Oyo, Cross River, Sokoto, and Anambra states.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA’s Chairman/CEO, lauded the exceptional efforts of the agency’s operatives, crediting their dedication and coordinated efforts for the success of these operations.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to battling drug trafficking and abuse through robust enforcement and continued public education.