In a sweeping operation across several states, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) last week intensified its campaign against drug trafficking, apprehending a high-profile cartel leader, intercepting shipments concealed in food items, and raiding drug distribution hubs.
The agency described the operations as part of its sustained offensive to dismantle criminal networks across the country.
Central to the crackdown was the arrest of 60-year-old Okpara Chigozie, a long-wanted drug kingpin who had eluded capture since 2019.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Okpara was finally apprehended at his residence in Isheri, Lagos, after a van carrying his consignment was intercepted at Ilasamaja on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
“Okpara… was caught attempting to ship large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine to the Southeast and other parts of the country,” Babafemi stated.
The intercepted white Toyota Sienna, headed to Onitsha, was being driven by 51-year-old Achebe Kenneth Nnamdi. A search aided by sniffer dogs revealed 7.6kg of cocaine and 900 grams of methamphetamine hidden within the vehicle’s compartments.
Subsequent raids on Okpara’s hideout uncovered additional quantities of the drugs, including 1.8kg of cocaine and 1.3kg of methamphetamine.
In a related development, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport arrested one Omoregie Uyiosa, who was allegedly attempting to smuggle tramadol and rohypnol pills out of the country. Uyiosa, en route to Italy via Turkish Airlines, reportedly confessed that he planned to sell the drugs overseas.
On July 17, another seizure was made at the airport’s export shed where officials intercepted 17 parcels of skunk—cannabis wrapped in cereal packaging. The consignment, concealed in Golden Morn packs and bound for Pakistan, led to the arrest of Chioba Robert Uchenna, who had presented the cargo for shipping.
Elsewhere in Lagos, a surveillance-led operation led agents to Sarah Sam Hotels in Kosofe, where illicit party drugs were allegedly being distributed. The primary suspect, Obayemi Oyetade, was found in possession of cannabis-infused chocolate, gummies, and other narcotics. Three vehicles were impounded during the operation.
In Kaduna State, three men were arrested with nearly 743 kilograms of skunk and a synthetic variant known as Colorado. Similarly, in Kano, 36,000 pills of tramadol were recovered from Lawan Rabiu along the Danbatta-Kazaure road, while separate arrests in Gombe yielded 25,000 pills of various controlled substances and 29kg of skunk.
Another interception occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State, where NDLEA officers recovered over 74,000 opioid pills from a Mercedes Benz and detained 44-year-old Audu Modu. In Bayelsa, a 63-year-old woman identified as Akuna Nelson was arrested with 163 litres of the illicit cocktail “skuchies” at her residence in Yenagoa.
Further arrests were recorded in Kogi and Abia States. In Kogi, four suspects were caught with 2kg of methamphetamine en route to Niger State. Meanwhile, in Aba, Abia State, a major raid at the home of notorious drug dealer Nduka Obi led to the recovery of cocaine, heroin, tramadol, methamphetamine, and N736,000 in cash.
The NDLEA has reiterated its resolve to pursue drug syndicates relentlessly. “These arrests and seizures represent a strong warning to drug traffickers across the country,” Babafemi affirmed.
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