NDLEA Arrests Notorious Drug Kingpin in Delta, Seizes Multi-Billion Naira Opioid Shipments at Onne Port

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 36-year-old Sunday Ibigide, a fugitive described as a “notorious drug kingpin,” in Asaba, Delta State, after more than three years on the run.

Kingpin Arrested After Three Years in Hiding

Ibigide, who had been on the NDLEA’s wanted list since March 19, 2022, was captured on Sunday, August 10, 2025, while attempting to transport 250 blocks of cannabis, known locally as skunk, weighing 138 kilograms in his distribution bus.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest in a statement, noting that the suspect first came under the agency’s radar following the seizure of 24.137kg of skunk and 10 grams of molly traced to him in 2022. Since then, he had evaded arrest, operating underground for years.

“However, acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives in Delta swooped on him on Sunday, August 10, arresting him alongside his aide, 27-year-old Clement Osuya, as they attempted to move the illicit consignment for distribution,” Babafemi stated.

Cannabis Farms Raided in Enugu

In a separate offensive, NDLEA operatives, backed by the military and local vigilantes, stormed cannabis plantations in Enugu Ezike, Enugu State, between Thursday, August 14, and Friday, August 15. The operation led to the destruction of 15 hectares of farmland, estimated to yield 37,500kg of skunk.

Six suspects — Ugwuanyi Chinaso (23), James Negedu (26), Sopuruchukwu Obido (22), Ebuka Onu (30), Ukwueze Sunday (42), and Oguche Friday — were arrested, while 74.5kg of processed cannabis was seized as evidence for prosecution.

Tramadol and Skunk Interceptions in Enugu

NDLEA officers also recorded other breakthroughs within the state. On Saturday, August 16, operatives intercepted 20,700 pills of tramadol and cocodamol from 53-year-old Emmanuel Ayogu along Nsukka Road, 9th Mile, Enugu.

That same day, two additional suspects, Nsubechukwu Achidde (24) and Osiaja Simple Frank (41), were arrested at Enugu’s New Market with 27.6kg of skunk.

Multi-Billion Naira Seizure at Onne Port

The agency disclosed that its most significant operation of the week was recorded at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, where operatives, in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, intercepted five containers filled with illicit opioids.

A joint examination conducted on August 13 and 14 at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne, uncovered 875,000 bottles of codeine syrup valued at over ₦6.1 billion and 3.5 million Trodol Benzhexol pills worth approximately ₦1.7 billion.

NDLEA explained that the consignments had been placed under surveillance as part of its intelligence-led operations, preventing the dangerous substances from flooding Nigerian communities.

NDLEA Reiterates Zero-Tolerance for Drug Trafficking

The latest seizures highlight NDLEA’s ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug cartels and illicit drug networks. The agency emphasised that its operations would intensify in line with its mandate to curb substance abuse and trafficking, particularly in light of the growing threats posed by drug syndicates.

The arrest of Ibigide, coupled with the large-scale interceptions in Enugu and Rivers, signals what the NDLEA describes as a “decisive move against the growing menace of drug trafficking in Nigeria.”

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