NDLEA Busts Cocaine, Tramadol Hidden in Vehicle Mirrors at Lagos Airport; Businesswoman, Dispatch Riders Arrested for Drug Distribution
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted major consignments of cocaine and tramadol concealed in vehicle side mirrors at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, targeting smuggling routes to Libreville, Gabon. The operation, which exposed innovative drug trafficking techniques, has led to the arrest of at least three suspects.
The first bust on July 19, 2025, uncovered 57,420 pills of Tramadol 225mg and 57 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.60kg, packed within 71 side mirrors destined for Gabon via Air Côte d’Ivoire. A cargo agent, Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict, was immediately arrested, with subsequent investigations leading to the capture of another suspect, Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah, on July 20. Further search operations recovered an additional 1kg of cocaine hidden in more vehicle side mirrors, bringing the total to 2.6kg of cocaine seized
In a related operation, NDLEA operatives arrested Mrs. Nwafor Roseann Nneka on August 1, 2025, at her shop in Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos. She was apprehended after attempting to export cocaine concealed in ladies’ lipsticks to Equatorial Guinea. Investigations revealed she was running the illicit trade as a family business with her husband, Remigus Nwafor, who is now on the run.
In Abuja, NDLEA officers arrested three dispatch riders, Sabo Sule (24), Samuel Nnamdi (28), and Idris Jibrin (28), on July 30, for delivering illicit substances, including 149.8 grams of Canadian Loud (a potent cannabis variant), around Gwarimpa, Jahi, and Galadimawa areas. Two other suspects were caught with 91.1kg of skunk along the Abaji-Gwagwalada expressway.
In Lagos, Joseph Michael was arrested with 3.3kg of Colorado in Mushin, while Ibrahim Sulaiman was caught with 16.5 litres of “skuchies” in Yaba.
In Benue State, Hussein Yusuf (37) was intercepted with 100,000 tramadol capsules.
Edo State operatives raided a warehouse in Ekpoma, arresting William Alabi (44) and seizing 233.5kg of skunk.
At Maiduguri Airport, Umar Aminu (38) was caught concealing tramadol in footwears.
Ogun NDLEA operatives apprehended Yahaya Aminat Seyi with over 7,000 tramadol pills in Oja Odan.
In Oyo, Oladeji Saka (54) was arrested with 77.5kg of skunk in Ibadan.
Delta operatives seized 12.5kg skunk, 1kg tramadol, and 14.4 litres of codeine from Benson Izah (40).
Bayelsa Command nabbed Chief Emeka Opara (52) and Onuoha Chidinma (25) with over 41,000 tramadol capsules.
Kano Command arrested Bashir Gambo (30) with 61kg skunk.
Osun NDLEA officials apprehended Kabiru Ayinde (40) and Roqeeb Adekanmbi (25) with 90kg skunk and 36.3g methamphetamine.
As part of its drug demand reduction strategy, the NDLEA intensified its WADA sensitization programs in schools, transport hubs, religious centres, and communities across Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Enugu, and Osun States, reaching thousands with anti-drug messages.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) lauded the dedication and professionalism of operatives across the MMIA, Maiduguri, Abuja, and other commands involved in the latest seizures and arrests. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking, combining robust enforcement with widespread public sensitization.
