By Juliet Ezeh
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, making several high-profile arrests across Nigeria in a series of operations that underscore the growing vigilance against illicit substances.
In a striking case at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, operatives intercepted a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Emeka, attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, while boarding a British Airways flight to London. The cocaine was cleverly wrapped in foil papers and balloons. The man, who claimed he was travelling for vacation, was apprehended in the departure hall on March 14, 2026.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi confirmed that the arrest forms part of a broader nationwide anti-drug operation. In Lagos, officers arrested a woman attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud cannabis while caring for her three children, including an infant. Investigation revealed her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, had prior convictions for drug-related offences and was later taken into custody.
In a separate operation at Lagos Island, NDLEA recovered 68,000 tramadol pills destined for Benin, with follow-up raids leading to the arrest of additional suspects linked to the consignment. Further seizures included 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 386 kilograms of skunk in Bebeji, and 282.2 kilograms in Gwagwalada. A raid at the Egwa Forest Reserve in Edo State uncovered and destroyed over 4,200 kilograms of cannabis, with a further 16.5 kilograms recovered for evidence.
At Apapa Seaport, NDLEA officers collaborated with customs officials to intercept 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup, which had been flagged through intelligence monitoring.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, commended operatives in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Edo for their dedication and called for sustained vigilance to reduce both supply and demand for illicit drugs nationwide. The recent arrests highlight NDLEA’s growing intelligence capabilities and its commitment to disrupting transnational and domestic drug networks.
These coordinated operations signal a stronger enforcement posture against drug trafficking, showcasing how intelligence-led policing can prevent dangerous substances from reaching Nigerian streets and international markets. Analysts say such arrests not only disrupt criminal networks but also serve as a deterrent to potential traffickers, emphasizing the risks of smuggling even for elderly individuals.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.