Juliet Ezeh
Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency has uncovered a sweeping drug trafficking network spanning multiple states, with arrests cutting across age groups, professions, and regions—including an 83-year-old man and a 78-year-old suspect allegedly involved in illegal drug distribution.
In a coordinated series of operations carried out across Abia, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Edo, and Lagos states, operatives intercepted large quantities of cannabis, tramadol, methamphetamine, and other psychoactive substances, signalling what officials describe as an intensifying nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks.
One of the most striking arrests occurred in Abia State, where officers apprehended an 83-year-old man during a targeted raid in Aba. Authorities say intelligence reports linked him to the sale of illegal drugs within the area. During the operation, officers reportedly recovered about 700 grams of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, already packaged in retail sachets ready for distribution.
The elderly suspect, who reportedly once worked as a shoemaker, allegedly confessed during questioning that he had transitioned into drug dealing. The case has sparked public concern over the increasing involvement of elderly individuals in illicit drug networks, either as couriers, sellers, or storage facilitators.
In a separate operation in Ekiti State, a 78-year-old man was arrested at his residence after being linked to suspected drug peddling activities. A search of his home reportedly led to the discovery of 350 grams of skunk. Authorities say the arrest followed weeks of surveillance.
The crackdown extended to Oyo State, where two young women aged 24 and 31 were arrested in connection with the trafficking of synthetic cannabis known as “Colorado.” One of the suspects was intercepted while transporting the substance along a major expressway linking Lagos and Ibadan. A follow-up operation led investigators to another suspect believed to be awaiting delivery of the consignment.
Further arrests in Oyo State also uncovered a 49-year-old suspected drug dealer and his associate. Officers recovered more than 3 kilograms of skunk, alongside a Toyota Camry believed to have been used in the distribution network. Investigators say the suspect has been under surveillance for months, and two of his alleged accomplices are already facing prosecution in court for earlier drug-related offences.
In Osun State, a 65-year-old driver was arrested while allegedly transporting a carton containing multiple illicit substances, including skunk and methamphetamine, along a busy expressway checkpoint. A follow-up investigation led to the arrest of an alleged supplier in another town within the state.
Security operations in Borno State also yielded significant results, with officers intercepting tens of thousands of tramadol tablets along a major highway. A truck driver was arrested during the operation, and further investigation led to the arrest of an alleged owner believed to be coordinating distribution across the region.
In another major seizure in Kaduna State, operatives intercepted a vehicle carrying nearly 300 kilograms of compressed cannabis. Two suspects were arrested at the scene, while additional follow-up arrests were made involving individuals believed to be connected to the shipment.
Jigawa State also recorded large-scale interceptions, including tens of thousands of tramadol capsules recovered from suspected traffickers along a major road corridor. Authorities say the drugs were being moved in bulk for distribution to multiple northern states.
In Lagos State, operatives raided a major market in Mushin where they recovered 740 kilograms of skunk, one of the largest single seizures in the latest operations. The raid targeted warehouses and shops suspected of serving as distribution hubs for illegal substances.
Meanwhile, in Edo State, intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect found in possession of multiple illegal drugs, including cannabis variants, tramadol, and methamphetamine. Officers say the suspect was part of a growing street-level distribution network.
Across all operations, authorities emphasize that intelligence gathering and surveillance played a critical role in dismantling drug supply chains operating across urban centres, highways, and rural communities.
Officials also confirmed that nationwide sensitisation campaigns are ongoing, targeting schools, worship centres, markets, and transport hubs as part of broader efforts to reduce drug abuse and prevent youth involvement in substance-related crimes.
The agency’s leadership commended officers involved in the coordinated raids, describing the arrests as a significant step in disrupting both small-scale peddlers and larger trafficking networks operating across the country. They also urged continued vigilance and community cooperation to sustain the momentum of the crackdown.
As investigations continue, authorities say more arrests are expected, with efforts now focused on tracing supply routes and identifying financiers behind the expanding drug networks.