Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have uncovered military-grade ammunition hidden inside bags of cassava flakes, popularly known as garri, during an anti-drug operation.
The agency also intercepted thousands of tramadol pills concealed inside a keg of palm oil in a separate operation, raising fresh concerns about the growing sophistication of criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities across the country.
The discoveries were disclosed on Sunday by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, in a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
According to the agency, the discoveries were made during routine searches for illicit drugs and other prohibited substances.
Babafemi explained that while the NDLEA’s primary responsibility is combating drug trafficking and abuse, officers sometimes uncover other dangerous items that pose serious threats to national security.
“In the course of our work searching for illicit drug concealment, we also stumble on other items that constitute threats to national security,” the statement said.
The agency released videos showing how the ammunition and drugs were hidden in food items and household containers in an apparent attempt to avoid detection by security operatives.
In one of the videos, officers were seen opening bags of garri where large quantities of ammunition had been concealed.
“In one instance, NDLEA officers discovered a large cache of military grade ammunition in cassava flakes (garri),” the statement added.
In another operation, NDLEA operatives reportedly found thousands of tramadol 225mg pills hidden inside a keg containing red palm oil.
The agency said traffickers often use creative methods to conceal illegal substances and dangerous items in order to beat security checks during transportation across states and borders.
“The things we see in the line of duty enh,” Babafemi wrote while reacting to the discoveries.
Although the agency did not immediately reveal where the interceptions took place or whether any suspects had been arrested, the discoveries have once again highlighted the close link between drug trafficking, organised crime and insecurity in Nigeria.
The seizure of military-grade ammunition concealed in food products has also raised concerns about the movement of arms within the country at a time when Nigeria continues to battle insecurity in different regions.
Over the years, security agencies have uncovered various methods used by traffickers to hide drugs, weapons and contraband items.
In several previous operations, illicit substances have been concealed in household goods, food products, vehicle parts, clothing materials and electronic equipment.
Tramadol, one of the drugs seized in the latest operation, remains one of the most abused substances in Nigeria, especially among young people and criminal groups.
The opioid drug, which is used medically for pain relief, has become popular among drug traffickers because of its widespread abuse and high demand in illegal markets.
Authorities say excessive use of tramadol can lead to addiction, mental health problems and violent behaviour.
In recent years, Nigerian security agencies have linked the abuse of tramadol and other narcotic substances to rising cases of violent crimes, banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
The Federal Government has repeatedly intensified efforts to crack down on the illegal importation and distribution of the drug.
The NDLEA under the leadership of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa, has increased raids, arrests and interceptions targeting drug cartels operating within and outside Nigeria.
Since Marwa assumed office, the agency has recorded several major seizures of cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine, heroin and opioids at airports, seaports and border communities.
The agency has also expanded awareness campaigns aimed at reducing drug abuse, particularly among youths.
Apart from tackling drug trafficking, the NDLEA has increasingly worked with other security agencies to address wider national security concerns linked to organised criminal activities.
The concealment of ammunition inside garri bags has particularly generated concern because garri is one of the most widely consumed staple foods in Nigeria and is commonly transported in large quantities across the country.
The discovery of drugs hidden inside palm oil also points to the extent traffickers are willing to go to evade law enforcement authorities.
The latest NDLEA operation comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related violence.
Many Nigerians have repeatedly urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve coordination in order to disrupt criminal supply chains involving drugs and weapons.
While investigations into the latest seizures are expected to continue, the discoveries have once again drawn attention to the dangerous links between illegal drug trafficking and threats to national security in the country.