Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking has entered a new phase, as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) dismantled a vast and complex network operating across the country. In a series of well-coordinated, intelligence-led operations, authorities arrested multiple suspects in different states—including a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor.
The week-long crackdown spanned Abia, Kano, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Niger, Edo, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory, highlighting both the scale of the operation and the wide range of individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
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Nigeria’s battle against drug trafficking has taken a bold step forward, as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered an extensive drug network operating across multiple states. In a series of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations, several suspects were arrested—including a 93-year-old man and a 69-year-old medical doctor.
The week-long operation spanned Abia, Kano, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Niger, Edo, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory, revealing the scale and complexity of the illegal drug trade and the diverse profiles of those involved.
One of the most shocking arrests was that of 93-year-old Friday Chigbu, who was apprehended at his home in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State. NDLEA officers recovered 7.7 kilogrammes of skunk from his residence. According to the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the elderly suspect confessed to using cannabis for decades, saying he started in 1959 and only ventured into distribution about a year ago.
In a separate operation, NDLEA officials foiled an international cocaine trafficking attempt involving an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael. He was intercepted at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while trying to board a flight to Milan, Italy. Authorities discovered he had ingested 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilogrammes and had allegedly been promised €5,000 for successful delivery.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Dr. Chudi Ofomata in Ogun State. The 69-year-old doctor is believed to have coordinated the trafficking operation, directing the courier’s movements and logistics. Controlled substances, including promazepam and promethazine injections, were recovered from his residence.
Across the country, NDLEA operations led to multiple seizures and arrests:
In Niger State, a couple was arrested after 118 kilogrammes of skunk was found in their kitchen.
In Ogun State, three suspects were caught with 34 kilogrammes of cannabis in Sango-Ota.
In Imo State, a 26-year-old woman was intercepted with 56.2 kilogrammes along the Onitsha–Owerri road.
In Borno State, officers seized large quantities of Rohypnol tablets, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections hidden in a trailer transporting spare parts.
In Lagos, 15 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis known as “Scottish Loud” was recovered from a commercial bus, while another raid in Mushin uncovered 26,800 bottles of codeine syrup.
In Abuja, eight suspects were arrested at a known drug hotspot, with over 11 kilogrammes of skunk recovered.
The largest seizure occurred in Edo State, where NDLEA operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a massive 7,245 kilogrammes of skunk concealed among cartons of beer. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the shipment, which was reportedly headed for Abuja.
Beyond enforcement, the agency continues to push its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, reaching out to schools, motor parks, and communities with awareness programmes aimed at reducing drug demand.
NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, praised the officers for their efforts, emphasizing the need to sustain both aggressive enforcement and preventive education in the fight against drug abuse.
