The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its war against illicit drugs with a series of operations across the country, leading to the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and the arrest of several suspects, including a 75-year-old man and four female drug dealers.
The agency said the operations, carried out in several states, resulted in the interception of more than 320,000 capsules of tramadol hidden inside a truck carrying building materials, as well as the recovery of other dangerous substances such as codeine syrup, Rohypnol, pentazocine injections, skunk, methamphetamine and Loud.
The latest seizures highlight the growing challenge posed by drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria, where authorities continue to battle networks involved in the distribution of illegal substances.
According to the NDLEA, one of the most significant breakthroughs was recorded in Taraba State, where operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a truck transporting building materials from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo, the state capital.
The agency said the vehicle was stopped and searched at the Nukkai Timber Shade area of Jalingo on Saturday, June 6.
During the operation, officers reportedly discovered a large quantity of illicit drugs carefully concealed beneath the cargo of building materials.
The truck’s assistant, identified as 22-year-old Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested in connection with the seizure.
NDLEA said the recovered substances included 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 tablets of Rohypnol and 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.
Officials described the seizure as a major blow to drug trafficking networks operating across different parts of the country.
Tramadol, codeine and other opioids have become a major concern for law enforcement agencies because of their widespread abuse, particularly among young people. Security agencies have also linked the misuse of such substances to criminal activities, including armed robbery, banditry and other violent crimes.
In a separate operation in Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 75-year-old suspect, identified as Okebe Samuel, in Okposi community.
According to the agency, the elderly suspect was found with 300 grams of skunk allegedly packaged in small retail sachets intended for sale to young people in the area.
The arrest has attracted attention because of the suspect’s age, underscoring the agency’s insistence that involvement in drug trafficking cuts across different age groups.
NDLEA officials said no one would be spared in the campaign against illicit drugs, regardless of age, social status or gender.
In Imo State, another operation targeted a known drug hotspot in Umulolo, Orlu Local Government Area.
The raid led to the arrest of 32-year-old Chioma Okeke, who was allegedly involved in the sale of illegal drugs.
During the operation, officers recovered eight kilograms of skunk from the location.
The agency said the operation formed part of efforts to dismantle local drug distribution networks and reduce the availability of narcotics within communities.
Meanwhile, in Edo State, NDLEA operatives carried out coordinated raids on several notorious drug centres in Benin City.
The operations resulted in the arrest of four suspects, including three women.
At Uyosa area of the city, officers arrested Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22.
The agency said the suspects were found with 176 grams of skunk, 65 grams of Loud and five grams of methamphetamine.
Loud is a highly potent variety of cannabis that has become increasingly popular among drug users in recent years.
Another suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was arrested along Agbor Road in Benin City.
According to the NDLEA, she was found in possession of 95 grams of Scottish Loud and 329 grams of regular Loud.
A separate raid at Upper Mission area of Benin City led to the arrest of Henry Okey, 43.
The agency said substances recovered from him included Loud, Colorado, Swinol and methamphetamine.
Authorities noted that the growing presence of synthetic drugs and highly potent cannabis products remains a major concern due to their harmful effects on users and communities.
In Kano State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Saifullahi Lawan, in the Kafi area of Madobi Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly caught with 40 blocks of skunk weighing about 38 kilograms.
Officials described the seizure as one of the notable drug interceptions recorded in the state in recent weeks.
Similarly, in Gombe State, NDLEA officers arrested 28-year-old Ugwu Sabastine Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area.
The agency said the suspect was intercepted with 15,000 capsules of tramadol during a routine operation.
Beyond arrests and seizures, the NDLEA said it continues to focus on public education and prevention through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
The initiative is designed to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse and discourage involvement in drug-related activities.
According to the agency, the campaign recently reached students and staff of several schools across the country.
Among the schools visited were Holiness Foundation Primary School in Saki, Oyo State; Dorras High School in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State; Ado Girls Secondary School in Onitsha, Anambra State; and Army Day Secondary School in Kano State.
NDLEA officials said awareness campaigns remain an important part of efforts to reduce drug demand and prevent young people from becoming involved in substance abuse.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers and personnel in Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano and Gombe states for their commitment and vigilance.
Marwa praised the various state commands for maintaining pressure on drug traffickers while also supporting drug prevention and awareness programs.
He stressed that the agency remains determined to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria and reduce the availability of dangerous substances in communities.
The NDLEA boss reiterated that the agency would continue to pursue offenders irrespective of their age, gender or methods of concealment.