The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse in October 2025, making several high-profile arrests and seizing large quantities of illegal substances across Nigeria. The agency’s operations stretched across airports, nightclubs, border points, and several states.
Cocaine Seized at Lagos Airport
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted 70 parcels of cocaine weighing 3.6 kilograms. The drugs were cleverly concealed in cocoa butter body cream containers and were en route to London.
Following the seizure on October 14, operatives arrested Lawal Mustapha Olakunle, a cargo agent linked to the shipment. The investigation also led to the arrest of Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah, a healthcare worker, and Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi, a travel agency CEO. The suspects are now assisting the agency with further inquiries.
Methamphetamine Intercepted in Enugu
At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu, NDLEA officers stopped Lemena Mark, a 35-year-old citizen of Lesotho, who tried to smuggle 103.59 grams of methamphetamine hidden in a coffee tea pack. He was attempting to ship the drug to the Philippines when officers discovered it.
In Kwara State, operatives also arrested Umar Abubakar (40) for attempting to transport 21,950 capsules of tramadol. He had hidden the drugs inside a 100-litre water heater in an effort to avoid detection.
Drug Party Raid in Lagos Nightclub
NDLEA stormed Proxy Night Club on Victoria Island, Lagos, on October 26 after receiving credible intelligence about a drug party. Officers arrested over 100 people, including the club’s owner, Pretty Mike, and recovered Loud and laughing gas from the scene. The agency confirmed that the raid was part of its ongoing efforts to curb recreational drug abuse in the entertainment sector.
Nationwide Arrests and Recoveries
NDLEA also made several arrests across different states.
- In Taraba, operatives caught two suspects with 450,000 pills of tramadol and exol-5.
- In Kogi, agents seized 162.2 kilograms of skunk, while another 128 kilograms were recovered in Nasarawa.
- In Abia, a 75-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were caught with skunk in their possession.
- In Ikorodu, Lagos, NDLEA officers confiscated 275 litres of skuchies, a dangerous psychoactive drink.
- At the Seme border, two suspects were arrested with large quantities of skunk and skuchies, further tightening border security.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Zamfara State arrested Abubakar Ibrahim (30), who was found with an AK-47 rifle and 1,746 rounds of ammunition. The agency handed him over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Major Drug Distributor Arrested in Lagos
The agency also apprehended Oyonumoh Glory Effiong, a female distributor responsible for supplying Canadian and California Loud to buyers across Lagos. Her arrest disrupted one of the key supply chains feeding high-grade cannabis into the state.
WADA Campaigns Continue Nationwide
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) awareness campaign throughout October. The sensitization efforts reached schools and communities in Oyo, Kebbi, Enugu, Benue, Taraba, Rivers, and Kano states. The campaigns educated young people about the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged community cooperation in fighting the drug menace.
Conclusion
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s officers for their commitment and professionalism. He urged them to remain vigilant and consistent in their mission to curb drug trafficking and abuse across Nigeria.
Marwa also emphasized that NDLEA’s success depends on the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public. He called on Nigerians to report suspicious activities to help sustain the ongoing progress.
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