Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made multiple arrests and seizures across Nigeria, targeting various drug trafficking networks. Notably, Ejiofor Nnaemeka Chiwuzie, an automobile spare parts dealer, was apprehended at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos on September 24, 2024.
He attempted to export consignments of heroin and cannabis concealed within LED rechargeable lamps and sofa metal legs. A total of 37 parcels of heroin (1.10 kg) and four blocks of cannabis (1.20 kg) were discovered in his cargo destined for Liberia.
In a coordinated follow-up operation, two freight agents involved in the shipment were also arrested. Concurrently, NDLEA operatives foiled several attempts to export various drugs, including tramadol and cannabis, to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Key seizures included 2.3 kg of cannabis heading to Thailand and 749 grams of tramadol concealed in footwear for Oman.
On September 25, NDLEA arrested a wanted drug kingpin, Ajiboye Damilare Samuel, after a year on the run. His capture followed the discovery of 1,101 kg of cannabis in a warehouse raid last year. Additionally, the agency arrested community leader Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Talba in Badagry, along with his family, in connection with a significant cannabis seizure.
In Kogi state, three suspects were arrested with over 2,000 kg of cannabis during a routine patrol, while further operations in Rivers and Niger states led to substantial drug seizures, including 1,500 cartons of codeine-based syrup and 6,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection.
Across the country, NDLEA continued its public awareness campaign against drug abuse, conducting sensitization lectures in schools and community centers. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa commended the efforts of all operatives involved in these operations, highlighting the ongoing commitment to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
