The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its war against illicit drug trafficking with a series of high-profile arrests and seizures across Nigeria, disrupting multiple drug supply chains both locally and internationally.

International Cocaine Interception at Apapa Port

In a significant operation at the Apapa Port, Lagos, NDLEA operatives apprehended 22 Indian crew members of the merchant vessel MV Aruna Hulya following the discovery of 31.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in Hatch 3 of the vessel. The ship, originating from the Marshall Islands, had the Master, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, along with 21 other crew members, taken into custody.

Akahi News gathered that the arrest was part of intensified efforts to prevent large-scale narcotics smuggling to international destinations, including the United Kingdom and Zambia.

Arrest of Drug Kingpin ‘Mama Kerosine’ in Ibadan

In Oyo State, NDLEA operatives arrested a notorious female drug trafficker, 65-year-old Fatima Ilori, popularly known as Mama Kerosine, following an intelligence-led operation. The arrest coincided with the seizure of 238.4 kilograms of skunk, a potent cannabis strain, at the Onireke/Elekuro area of Ibadan. Olusanya Abosede, 35, was also apprehended in connection with the operation.

Akahi News learnt that Ilori has been a major distributor of illicit drugs in Ibadan and her arrest marks a key breakthrough in curtailing the regional drug trade.

Tramadol Supply Chains to Insurgents Disrupted

In Borno State, the NDLEA disrupted the distribution of Tramadol to insurgent groups, arresting two suspected suppliers. Isa Mohammed, 26, was intercepted on the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala road with 9,150 ampoules of Tramadol Injection. Musa Samaila, 30, was arrested the same day at Biu Market with 34,000 capsules of Tramadol.

The move underscores the agency’s commitment to curbing the use of narcotics in fuelling violent activities and maintaining national security.

Large-Scale Cannabis Seizures in Lagos, Jigawa, and Kwara

Further operations resulted in significant cannabis seizures:

• In Lagos, 400 kilograms of skunk were recovered alongside a van in the Mobolaji Johnson area on New Year’s Day.
• In Jigawa State, Bilya Ibrahim, 39, was arrested while attempting to transport 140.8 kilograms of skunk from Taraba State to Nguru, Yobe State.
• In Kwara State, 238.5 kilograms of skunk were recovered from a suspect’s home in Ilorin, while another individual, Abubakar Rabiu, 32, was arrested with 32,000 pills of Tramadol and Diazepam.

These operations demonstrate the NDLEA’s nationwide reach and coordinated strategy in tackling drug trafficking.

Sensitisation and Public Awareness Initiatives

Alongside enforcement, NDLEA commands continue to drive public awareness campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. Outreach efforts include lectures in schools, engagements with youth organisations, and community sensitisation across states such as Katsina, Lagos, and Niger.

The NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the officers involved in these operations, urging continued vigilance and intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks across Nigeria.

The agency’s recent successes highlight a proactive approach combining enforcement, intelligence, and public education to combat drug abuse and trafficking.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org