The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide offensive against illicit drug trafficking, intercepting a massive consignment of opioids concealed in a truck transporting building materials in Taraba State and arresting a 75-year-old suspected drug dealer in Ebonyi State.
The operations, which also led to the arrest of several suspected traffickers in Edo, Imo, Kano and Gombe states, highlight the agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks across the country.
According to a statement by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the largest seizure was recorded in Taraba State, where NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a truck conveying building materials from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo.
A search of the vehicle at Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo uncovered a large quantity of illicit drugs concealed beneath the cargo. A 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested in connection with the consignment.
Babafemi said recovered items included 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 tablets of Rohypnol and 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.
He described the seizure as one of the largest opioid interceptions recorded by the agency in recent months, amid growing concerns over the abuse of prescription drugs and other psychoactive substances.
In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested 75-year-old Okebe Samuel in Okposi community after he was allegedly found in possession of 300 grammes of skunk packaged for retail distribution.
The agency alleged that the suspect had been selling the substance in sachets to youths within the community.
In Imo State, operatives raided a notorious drug enclave in Umulolo, Orlu, leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Chioma Okeke and the recovery of eight kilogrammes of skunk.
The agency said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug distribution centres operating in the South-East.
In Edo State, coordinated raids on identified drug hotspots in Benin City led to the arrest of four suspected traffickers, including three women.
At Uyosa, officers arrested Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, with quantities of skunk, Loud and methamphetamine.
Another suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was arrested along Agbor Road with quantities of Scottish Loud and regular Loud, while Henry Okey, 43, was apprehended at Upper Mission with substances including Loud, Colorado, Swinol and methamphetamine.
In Kano State, NDLEA operatives arrested 19-year-old Saifullahi Lawan in the Kafi area of Madobi Local Government Area after recovering 40 blocks of skunk weighing 38 kilogrammes.
Similarly, in Gombe State, officers intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area of the state capital and recovered 15,000 capsules of tramadol from him.
Beyond enforcement activities, the agency said it sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign through sensitisation programmes in schools and communities aimed at discouraging drug abuse among young Nigerians.
Reacting to the operations, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), commended officers in Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano and Gombe states for their vigilance and commitment.
Marwa reiterated the agency’s resolve to sustain pressure on drug trafficking networks nationwide, stressing that offenders would continue to be pursued regardless of age, gender or methods of concealment.
He also urged commands across the country to maintain a balance between drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction strategies in efforts to curb substance abuse and protect communities from the impact of illicit drugs.
Michael Olugbode
