Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a series of high-profile drug trafficking networks in intelligence-led operations spanning several weeks, seizing cocaine, cannabis, synthetic drugs, and tramadol across multiple states.
The breakthrough began on 11th March 2026, when NDLEA officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 3.1 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside tins of palm kernel extract destined for the United Kingdom.
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Two suspects, Idris Olayiwola Amoo and Akinlami Akinsoji Adedoyin, were arrested, and follow-up operations led to the apprehension of the sender, Ezemuwo Joel (aka Ajayi), and the kingpin, 52-year-old Arinze, in Isolo, Lagos. NDLEA recovered 886 tins of palm kernel extract, industrial sealing tools, 52 grams of cannabis sativa, and other items used to conceal drugs.
In a separate operation in Borno State, 28-year-old Aisha Adamu was arrested along Gamboru Ngala road with 4.3 kilograms of synthetic cannabis (Colorado) intended for bandit groups operating between the North East and Chad.
At the Seme border in Lagos, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu (45) and his wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu (35), were arrested with 11 kilograms of skunk concealed in their vehicle, following the earlier apprehension of a fake security agent, Sunday Samuel (35), carrying 24.5kg of skunk.
Other major seizures included:
Adamawa State: 48,000 tramadol pills seized from a trailer; driver Abdulaziz Ismail Korede and recipient Idris Adamu arrested.
Osun State: 15kg skunk recovered from Idiatu Oladejo, Isale Osun, Osogbo.
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Ondo State: 351kg of skunk and seeds recovered from Itaogbolu forest, Akure.
Benue State: 28,600 tramadol capsules seized from Aminu Usman Gembu.
Edo State: 1,378kg of skunk seized from Roland Owie in Egbanke community, Orhionmwon LGA.
Oyo State: Notorious dealer Ayantola Omodunmomi (Iya Elle) arrested in Ibadan with 45.6kg of skunk; she reportedly used her 11-year-old daughter to deliver drugs.
Alongside enforcement, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, sensitizing students and staff at schools across Oyo, Lagos, Kano, Anambra, and Zamfara states.
NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers nationwide, noting:
“These successful operations are a testament to the Agency’s evolving intelligence capabilities and our unwavering commitment to choking the supply lines of drug cartels. Whether they hide behind legitimate businesses, religious titles, or complex concealment methods, we will find them.”
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The operations demonstrate NDLEA’s dual focus on supply reduction and demand reduction, reinforcing its mission to dismantle drug trafficking networks while promoting awareness and prevention across Nigeria.