NDLEA Seizes 40ft Trailer of Skunk, Vehicles in Midnight Raid; Intercepts Cocaine, Codeine in Multi-State Operations

NDLEA Seizes 40ft Trailer of Skunk, Vehicles in Midnight Raid; Intercepts Cocaine, Codeine in Multi-State Operations

In a coordinated intelligence-led operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made significant breakthroughs across multiple states, seizing large consignments of illicit drugs, vehicles, and arresting key suspects.

Major Raid in Abuja
Operatives intercepted a 40-foot trailer loaded with 2,217.6 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The consignment, reportedly en route to northern states, was being offloaded into six vehicles, which were also seized during the operation. The vehicles included a Toyota Van, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna, JAC Hilux truck, Toyota Corolla, and a Vento Passat. One suspect, identified as 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond, was arrested. The shipment originated from Uzebba in Edo State.

Cocaine Bust in Abuja and Lagos
In a separate operation in Nyanya, FCT, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects, Anthony Nnamdi (42) and Abba Ali (27), recovering 1.398 kilograms of cocaine and precursor chemicals used for crack cocaine production.
In Lagos, officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) seized 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330 grams. The drugs, destined for Australia, were concealed in face cream containers.

Codeine Shipment Intercepted in Rivers
At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Rivers State, NDLEA operatives, in collaboration with Customs and other security agencies, intercepted two containers carrying 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth over N1.1 billion in street value. The seizure followed intelligence-led watch-listing and joint container examinations on January 9 and 10.

Arrest of Shrine Priest in Lagos
In Lagos, NDLEA arrested Bariu Aliu, the chief priest of the Igunuko Shrine in Ajah. He had been on the run for over three months following the seizure of 2,760 kilograms of skunk at the shrine in October 2024. Two of his accomplices had been arrested and convicted last year, with Aliu identified as the syndicate leader.

Kano Raid Yields Cannabis and Opioids
In Kano, operatives arrested Habibu Ya’u (23) during a raid in Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria Road. They recovered 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2 kilograms and 40,800 opioid pills, including tramadol.

Nationwide Advocacy Efforts
The NDLEA intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization programs across schools, mosques, workplaces, and communities. Key activities included lectures at Ijaye Housing Estate Junior Secondary School, Lagos; advocacy to surrendered Boko Haram members in Maiduguri; and outreach to Muslim worshippers in Kebbi State.

Commendation from NDLEA Chairman
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the NDLEA, commended the operatives for their operational successes. He praised their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.

By Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday, 12th January 2025