NDLEA’s Ongoing Battle Against Drug Trafficking in Nigeria
Recent enforcement actions by the NDLEA have led to significant arrests, including an Angolan businessman caught attempting to smuggle cocaine and other drug-related operations nationwide. Successful interventions included sizable drug seizures and ongoing educational initiatives to combat substance use.
Operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended a 42-year-old Angolan businessman named Mbala Abuba at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while attempting to transport cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey. During the arrest on February 25, 2025, Abuba was subjected to a body scan, which revealed he had ingested 120 cocaine pellets weighing a total of 1.829 kilograms.
The NDLEA, under the direction of Femi Babafemi, also thwarted additional drug trafficking attempts around the country. An auto spare parts dealer named Ebuka Igwe was arrested on February 24 for trying to export parcels containing 1.10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle parts from Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Furthermore, on the same day, another suspect, Ezechi Cyprian, was taken into custody for attempting to transport 5.40 kilograms of cocaine to Owerri, Imo State. In Lagos, NDLEA operatives discovered cannabis concealed within two mattresses aboard a vehicle imported from Canada, leading to the arrest of consignee Bamidele Joseph.
In Delta State, a significant cannabis plantation was dismantled, with over 50,000 kilograms destroyed, resulting in the arrest of several suspects. The NDLEA also intercepted a truck with 101 bags of skunk, totaling 1,111 kilograms, along with numerous other drug-related arrests across various states, including tramadol seizures in Osun and Borno.
The NDLEA continues its national campaign “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA), conducting educational activities in schools and communities to promote awareness of drug-related issues. These initiatives reached multiple educational institutions and civic organizations throughout Nigeria, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking.
In summary, the NDLEA’s recent operations have successfully intercepted multiple drug trafficking attempts, resulting in significant arrests and the seizure of substantial illegal substances. Through ongoing educational campaigns, the agency aims to raise awareness about drug abuse and reinforce its determination to eradicate drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Original Source: businessday.ng
