By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested several suspects and seized large quantities of illicit drugs across Lagos, Osun, Borno, Kaduna, Jigawa, Edo, Oyo, and Ekiti states. The arrests occurred between April 29 and May 2, 2026, during coordinated operations targeting drug trafficking networks. Authorities recovered skunk, Tramadol, methamphetamine, and other substances from highways, markets, and residential areas. The agency said intelligence-led raids and follow-up actions led to the breakthroughs, as it intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking.
Major Drug Busts in Lagos and Osun
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives raided Awolowo Market in Mushin on May 2. They recovered 740kg of skunk during the operation.
Meanwhile, in Osun State, officers arrested a 65-year-old driver, Oladayo Awoyemi, on April 30. He was stopped at Ile-Ife toll gate along the Ibadan-Ilesa Expressway. Authorities found a carton containing 7kg of skunk and 15 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle.
Subsequently, a follow-up operation in Ilesa led to the arrest of the alleged owner, Ifedayo Babalola, 40.
Tramadol Seizures in Borno and Jigawa
In Borno State, NDLEA operatives arrested Yahaya Shehu, 27, on April 29. The arrest followed intelligence reports along the Damaturu-Maiduguri Road. Officers seized 76,440 tablets of Tramadol 225mg from him.
In a related operation, authorities intercepted a truck carrying 14,000 capsules of Tramadol. They arrested the driver, Magaji Isa, 30. A follow-up raid in Biu led to the arrest of the alleged owner, Abdulhamid Mahmud, 28.
Similarly, in Jigawa State, operatives seized 49,800 capsules of Tramadol along Bauchi Road in Hadejia. They arrested Ahmed Garba, also known as Fangale, and Sale Mohammed.
Interceptions in Kaduna and Edo States
In Kaduna State, NDLEA officers intercepted a Honda Ridgeline vehicle along the Abuja–Jos Highway. They recovered 393 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 290kg. The suspects, Ojo Major Ebose, 36, and Chika Obiechefula, 32, were arrested.
In Edo State, an intelligence-led operation in Idogbo community, Benin City, led to another arrest. Officers apprehended Godstime Godspower, 25, with various drugs. These included Loud, Colorado, Tramadol, Swinol, and methamphetamine.
Arrests and Seizures in Oyo State
In Oyo State, NDLEA operatives arrested two women over drug trafficking. Rebecca King, 24, was caught on April 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with 1.925kg of Colorado. Later, officers arrested Olaniyan Opeyemi, 31, at Iwo Road, Ibadan, during a follow-up operation.
Additionally, authorities arrested Taofik Adeyemi, 49, in Ibadan on May 2. His salesman, Mustapha Oyerinde, 28, was also apprehended at his residence in the Erunmu area. The agency revealed that two of Adeyemi’s associates were arrested earlier in December 2025 and are currently facing prosecution.
Arrest in Ekiti State
In Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives arrested a suspect identified as Samuel on April 30. The arrest took place at his residence on Owode Street, Ilupeju-Ekiti. Officers recovered 350 grams of a psychoactive substance during the operation.
NDLEA Intensifies War Against Drug Abuse
The NDLEA confirmed that its commands nationwide have sustained sensitisation campaigns under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. The agency continues outreach in schools, markets, worship centres, and transport hubs.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd.), praised officers involved in the operations. He urged them to maintain the momentum in the fight against drug trafficking.
Recovered Items in Earlier Operation
In a related case, operatives recovered 3.085kg of skunk and a Toyota Camry with registration number EPE 299 JZ from a suspect.
