The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its war against drug trafficking and abuse, announcing a series of high-profile arrests in various parts of the country, including the shocking apprehension of a 72-year-old grandmother. The nationwide operations also led to the capture of suspected traffickers at key airports and a cross-border smuggler, highlighting the agency’s relentless efforts in combating drug-related offenses.
In a statement released on Sunday from Abuja, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, provided details of the dramatic arrests. Among those apprehended was Mrs. Christy Ejaro, a 72-year-old grandmother, who was arrested on June 25 in the Niger CAT area of Warri, Delta State. Ejaro was caught with several sachets of skunk, a highly potent strain of cannabis, already packaged in retail sizes and allegedly prepared for local distribution within her community.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives stationed at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu executed two significant busts on Friday targeting international drug traffickers. The first suspect, Chibuzor Emmanuel, a 38-year-old bar attendant based in Maputo, Mozambique, was intercepted while attempting to smuggle 17 cardboard-sized parcels of methamphetamine weighing 17.5 kilograms and three parcels of cocaine weighing 3.05 kilograms. The drugs were cleverly concealed in bedsheets inside his luggage, but vigilant officers discovered the contraband. Emmanuel had arrived in Nigeria from Johannesburg, South Africa, via Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
The second suspect, Azu Kpodar, a 54-year-old toy vendor from Sao Paulo, Brazil, was also arrested upon arrival on the same flight. A thorough search of his belongings uncovered a plastic container labeled as liquid soap, which upon forensic analysis tested positive for cocaine. The liquid cocaine had a net weight of 1.25 kilograms. Kpodar claimed during interrogation that he purchased the container while shopping for items ahead of his upcoming wedding ceremony in Nigeria.
In another major interception on June 24 at the Seme border in Badagry, Lagos State, a 26-year-old Beninese national identified as Vode Jean-Luck was caught attempting to smuggle 69 balls of skunk with a total weight of 29.5 kilograms from the Benin Republic into Nigeria. The illicit consignment was cleverly concealed but was eventually detected by alert NDLEA officers patrolling the border area.
Furthermore, in Kwara State, NDLEA operatives launched a successful raid on the residence of a notorious drug dealer known as Bolanle Oladele, popularly called Iya Nafi. The operation, which took place on June 25 in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, led to the recovery of various quantities of skunk, tramadol, and flunitrazepam, drugs known for their high abuse potential and dangerous effects.
Commending the dedication and courage displayed by the operatives, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, praised the coordinated efforts of the Delta, Kwara, and Seme Commands. He also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of all NDLEA formations across the nation for their significant contributions toward both drug supply suppression and demand reduction strategies.
“These operations demonstrate our steadfast resolve to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and safeguard our communities,” Marwa stated. “Every arrest, every seizure, no matter how big or small, is a crucial step toward a safer, healthier society. We will continue to strengthen our operations until the menace of drug trafficking is completely eradicated.”