By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 1.63 million tramadol pills, arrested several suspected traffickers, and uncovered multiple drug operations across Nigeria. The seizures followed intelligence-led operations carried out on July 2, July 4, and July 14, 2026, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and other locations in Lagos, Rivers, Edo, and Kogi states. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the agency tracked the syndicate through intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement operations to curb transnational drug trafficking from Togo through the Benin Republic into Nigeria.
NDLEA Seizes 1.63 Million Tramadol Pills
Babafemi said the latest operation came barely a week after NDLEA officers intercepted 558,900 tramadol pills hidden in a truck that entered Lagos through the Togo-Benin Republic route.
He explained that operatives intercepted one trailer on July 2 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while it was heading to Kano.
Officers recovered 853,000 tramadol 250mg pills concealed beneath the cargo floor of the truck. They also arrested the 22-year-old driver, Jabir Kabiru.
Furthermore, NDLEA officers tracked another trailer and intercepted it on the same expressway on July 4.
The search uncovered 777,000 tramadol 250mg pills hidden inside another fabricated compartment. Officers arrested the driver, 22-year-old Muhammed Nuhu.
Babafemi said investigations revealed that the three consignments intercepted on June 21, July 2, and July 4 belonged to the same transnational drug trafficking syndicate.
NDLEA Intercepts Canadian Loud at Lagos Airport
The NDLEA also intercepted 4.70 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.
According to Babafemi, the consignments arrived from Canada aboard British Airways and Ethiopian Airlines flights on June 24 and July 3.
Traffickers concealed the drugs inside cartons labelled “Odugwu.”
Four Suspects Arrested Over Airport Drug Consignment
The agency initially arrested cargo agents Ali Samson and Orimolade Oluwagbenga.
Investigators later arrested another suspect, Edeh Stanislus, while he attempted to collect the consignments.
Further investigations led to the arrest of the alleged owner, 44-year-old Chioma Nneka Mokeme, on July 7 with support from the Nigeria Police Area C Command in Surulere, Lagos.
Babafemi said Mokeme claimed she runs a printing business.
However, she allegedly confessed that her Canada-based friend, Agbons Collins, introduced her to the illicit drug trade.
80-Year-Old Man Arrested in Rivers
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives arrested 80-year-old Chika Ugwoji in Ahoada, Rivers State, on July 14.
Officers allegedly found him with 800 grammes of skunk during the operation.
Babafemi described the arrest as another example of the agency’s nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking.
Couple Nabbed in Edo Drug Warehouse
In Benin City, Edo State, NDLEA officers raided a suspected drug warehouse along Sapele Road.
The operation resulted in the arrest of Christian Chukwuka, 32, and Nwanneka Christian, 33.
Officers recovered 22 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 219.5kg and 192.67kg of Canadian Loud from the warehouse.
Chadian National, Accomplice Arrested Over Tramadol
The agency also arrested Hajara Abdullahi, a 38-year-old Chadian national, and her Nigerian accomplice, Abdulkarim Jidda, 44.
Investigators linked the duo to a consignment of 50,000 tramadol 225mg pills intercepted in Kogi State on July 12.
Marwa Commends NDLEA Officers
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised officers involved in the coordinated operations.
He said their commitment continues to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug trafficking.
According to Marwa, the successful operations demonstrate that sustained intelligence gathering and enforcement efforts are producing measurable results across the country.
