The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a series of high-profile arrests and seizures at multiple Nigerian airports, including Abuja, Kano, and Lagos, recovering large quantities of cocaine, skunk, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs. Among the suspects are a China-based Nigerian businessman and two Angolan nationals, who reportedly excreted 236 wraps of cocaine at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, it was disclosed that the China-based Nigerian, Ibeanu Vincent Chukwudulue, was arrested on Wednesday aboard Qatar Airways flight 1432 traveling from Kano to China via Abuja and Doha. Following a body scan at Abuja airport, he tested positive for ingesting illicit drugs. Under observation, he excreted 52 cocaine pellets weighing 735.95 grams. Ibeanu revealed that he had previously conducted business on Lagos Island before relocating to Guangzhou, China, in 2024.
The two Angolan suspects, Mbandu Martins Makiadi, 50, and Ngoma Wilson Fernando, 52, were intercepted at the departure hall of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport during outward clearance for a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Mbandu excreted 76 wraps weighing 920 grams, while Ngoma expelled 108 pellets weighing 1.33 kilograms. They claimed they were recruited by a Luanda-based automobile spare parts dealer, who promised $3,000 each upon successful delivery of the drugs to Turkey.
NDLEA also foiled multiple export attempts at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, including schemes orchestrated by previously convicted traffickers. One such suspect, Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, CEO of Dimeji Express Logistics and serving a five-year prison term for cocaine trafficking, attempted to export 1.10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in processed cassava granules (garri) to London, UK. His employee, Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan, was arrested while presenting the consignment for export. Oladimeji reportedly initiated the scheme from prison, directing operations remotely.
Similarly, a 44-year-old estate surveyor, Adelaja Taiwo Adetayo, attempted to smuggle 1.70 kilograms of skunk concealed in five jerry cans to the UK. NDLEA operatives intercepted the consignment and subsequently arrested both Adelaja and the cargo agent Mustapha Quddus Opeyemi.
In Abuja, operatives intercepted a package sent from Enugu containing a children’s toy guitar, which concealed 59.2 grams of Canadian Loud cannabis. The package’s owner, Henry Onuma, was later arrested in Life Camp, Abuja.
NDLEA operations across the country have resulted in several significant drug seizures beyond airports. In Lagos, officers raided a four-bedroom duplex in Ikate-Elegushi, Lekki, used for the production and storage of synthetic cannabis known as Colorado (Colos). The raid followed the seizure of 73 cartons of nitrous oxide at Iyare Motor Park, intended for Benin City, Edo State. At the Lekki residence, 13.2 kilograms of freshly produced Colos and precursor chemicals were recovered, while two suspects, Victor Oyedeji and driver Amos Innocent, were arrested.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, a notorious female drug dealer, Oluwayemisi Bunmi, 45, was arrested at her enclave in Hope Alakia. NDLEA recovered 1.189 kilograms of Colos, 320 grams of methamphetamine, ₦2,975,000 in cash, and two vehicles.
In Kwara State, operatives intercepted a vehicle carrying 105,400 tramadol pills, arresting the 43-year-old driver, Kamilu Abdullahi. In Edo State, five suspects were arrested at the Yoruba Camp in Olumoye Forest, Ovia North East LGA, with 563.5 kilograms of skunk recovered. The suspects include Murtala Mohammed, 37; Abdulkadir Idris Mohammed, 29; Ufoma Edafe, 40; Anthony Aghati, 46; and Emmanuel Owalu Ekele, 39.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended operatives across MAKIA, MMIA, NAIA, Lagos, Edo, Kwara, FCT, and Oyo commands for their professionalism, urging continued efforts in drug supply and demand reduction. He emphasized the importance of a balanced approach, combining enforcement with prevention and public awareness campaigns.
As the country faces growing challenges with drug abuse and trafficking, NDLEA continues to strengthen its intelligence, surveillance, and operational capabilities to protect public health and national security. The agency’s recent arrests and seizures underscore its commitment to ensuring that offenders are prosecuted and contraband is removed from circulation, safeguarding communities across Nigeria.
The recent arrests of Ibeanu Vincent Chukwudulue and the two Angolan nationals, alongside convicted traffickers attempting to continue illegal operations, demonstrate the persistent threat posed by drug traffickers and the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to dismantle these networks.
With multiple operations yielding substantial drug recoveries, NDLEA has sent a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated and that both domestic and international smugglers will face strict enforcement and prosecution under Nigerian law.
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