By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 5.8kg of cocaine hidden in dry stock fish in Lagos. Operatives arrested a 36-year-old suspect, Akputa Dickson Ejike, during a sting operation in Ojo. The agency acted on intelligence about a trans-border drug syndicate. The consignment was meant for export to Delhi, India. Officials confirmed the operation happened on March 19, 2026.
Cocaine Hidden in ‘Okporoko’ Uncovered
NDLEA operatives carried out the operation through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command. They tracked the suspect to Ojo after receiving credible intelligence.
During the search, officers recovered three jumbo bags. Inside, they found 237 wraps of cocaine. The traffickers cleverly concealed the drugs inside heads of imported dry fish, locally called ‘Okporoko.’
Authorities confirmed the total weight of the seized cocaine as 5.80 kilograms. The shipment was packaged for international export.
NDLEA Intercepts More Drugs Bound for UK
Meanwhile, NDLEA officers intercepted two additional consignments in Lagos. These shipments were heading to the United Kingdom through a courier company.
One package came from Cotonou, Benin Republic. Officers discovered 1.9kg of methamphetamine hidden inside automobile filters.
In another parcel, operatives found 40 ampoules of morphine sulphate and nine ampoules of fentanyl. These substances are highly controlled due to their abuse potential.
Major Cannabis Raids in Lagos
On March 26, NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit raided a residence in Yaba, Lagos. Officers arrested 46-year-old Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, also known as “Iya Ghana.”
They also arrested her associate, 31-year-old Sarah Zainab Agbabiaka. During the raid, operatives seized 135 blocks of cannabis weighing 76.30kg.
Later that same day, officers arrested Anayo Lucky Ohabiro in Surulere. They recovered 78 blocks of Ghana Loud cannabis weighing 41kg from him.
Arrests and Seizures Across States
NDLEA operations extended beyond Lagos. In Ekiti State, officers arrested 80-year-old Oke Samuel. They recovered 2.2kg of skunk and a small quantity of methamphetamine from him.
In Ondo State, operatives seized 894.72kg of skunk from an uncompleted building. The suspect, Enuwa Kehinde Kingsley, was arrested.
Similarly, officers in Benue State apprehended Saater Nyam with 116.7kg of skunk.
In Edo State, a warehouse raid in Ekpoma led to the arrest of Felix Donald. Authorities seized 576.5kg of skunk and 33 bottles of codeine syrup.
In Taraba State, NDLEA officers intercepted a truck carrying 135kg of skunk hidden in animal feed bags. They arrested two suspects linked to the shipment.
NDLEA Expands Drug Awareness Campaigns
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse campaign. The agency has conducted sensitisation lectures in schools across Cross River, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano, and Lagos states.
This initiative aims to reduce drug demand and educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse.
Marwa Commends Operatives
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), praised officers for their efforts. He commended multiple commands for successful operations nationwide.
He also highlighted the agency’s balanced approach to reducing both drug supply and demand.
