The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a consignment of cannabis allegedly concealed in a gallon of palm oil at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State, bound for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The agency also seized 8,725 kilogrammes of powdered tramadol valued at over ₦6.98 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos State, as part of a series of nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking networks.
The NDLEA disclosed the developments in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the agency, a female passenger, Fatimah Ahmad, was arrested on Friday, October 16, during the outward clearance of an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Jeddah via Addis Ababa. A search of her luggage reportedly uncovered 511.75 grammes of cannabis concealed inside a gallon of palm oil.
The suspect allegedly told investigators that her cousin, Abubakar Yahaya, had given her the container. He was subsequently arrested at the airport car park.
₦6.98bn Tramadol Shipment Discovered at Apapa Port
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives working with the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies uncovered a shipment of powdered tramadol imported from India at Apapa Port on October 2.
The consignment had reportedly been declared as maize starch. However, laboratory tests confirmed that the substance was tramadol hydrochloride powder.
Further examination on October 14 revealed 349 bags weighing a total of 8,725 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value exceeding ₦6.98 billion.
At the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, operatives also discovered 55 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, a potent cannabis strain valued at ₦165 million. The drugs were reportedly concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle shipped in a 40-foot container.
Nationwide Raids Lead to Multiple Arrests
The agency said its operations extended to several locations across Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Kano and Kaduna states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested a suspect identified as Elizabeth Chidera Kalu at Idumota Market, recovering 10,600 ampoules of diazepam injection and 6,500 tablets of Molly from her store.
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Two other suspects, Idowu Daudu and Ahmed Oniyinde, both 35, were arrested in Mushin with approximately 121 kilogrammes of cannabis combined.
Operatives also intercepted a truck along Iyana Oba on October 15, recovering 18,000 tablets of tramadol concealed in cartons labelled as Rambo insecticide. Two suspects, identified as Tajudeen Adeduntan and Azeez Sikiru, were arrested in connection with the consignment.
In Edo State, six suspects were arrested during raids in communities within Owan East Local Government Area. Among them were an 85-year-old woman, Grace Ehimeka, allegedly found with 179 kilogrammes of cannabis, and Ayo Aigberadion, 53, who was reportedly found with 220.8 kilogrammes.
In Ondo State, operatives raided a cannabis farm in the Okemoro Isinbode camp forest on October 17, destroying 7,500 kilogrammes of cannabis cultivated across three hectares of land. Five suspects were arrested during the operation.
Another operation in Owo led to the recovery of 375 kilogrammes of cannabis from a suspected hideout in Ameyinti.
Tramadol and Cannabis Seized in Other States
In Bauchi State, operatives intercepted a vehicle at Ragwam village, recovering 894,800 pills of tramadol capsules and Exol-5 tablets. Officers also recovered 265 kilogrammes of cannabis from an abandoned vehicle along the Bauchi-Gombe Road.
In Kano State, two suspects were arrested along the Zaria-Kano Road with 30,100 tablets of tramadol, while another suspect was apprehended with 100,000 tablets of Exol-5.
In Kaduna State, a raid at Kayimi village led to the recovery of 496.5 kilogrammes of cannabis and the arrest of three suspects. Another operation resulted in the seizure of 49,500 tablets of tramadol.
In Abuja, a 42-year-old suspect, Odo Jonas Ejike, was arrested in the Utako area on October 17 with 29,500 tramadol capsules.
NDLEA Chairman Commends Officers
The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations and urged personnel nationwide to sustain the fight against drug trafficking.
The agency also reiterated its commitment to public enlightenment through its War Against Drug Abuse initiative, with sensitisation programmes conducted in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities across the country.
The operations form part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to disrupt drug supply networks, prevent the circulation of illicit substances and strengthen drug control enforcement across Nigeria.
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