Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks, intercepting large consignments of opioids concealed in building materials in Taraba State and arresting a 75-year-old suspected drug dealer in Ebonyi State.
The operations, which also led to the arrest of four notorious female drug traffickers in Edo, Imo, Kano, and Gombe states, underscore the agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug supply chains across the country.
Major Drug Bust in TarabaIn one of the most significant seizures recorded during the week, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a truck transporting building materials from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo, Taraba State.
The vehicle was stopped and searched at Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Hidden beneath the cargo, operatives uncovered a massive cache of illicit drugs. A 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested in connection with the shipment.
Recovered from the truck were:- 320,840 capsules of tramadol- 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection- 4,500 tablets of Rohypnol- 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.
The seizure is being described as a major blow to opioid trafficking networks operating across the country.75-Year-Old Suspect Arrested in EbonyiIn Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested 75-year-old Okebe Samuel in Okposi community for alleged involvement in the retail sale of illicit drugs.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA headquarters Femi Babafemi , the septuagenarian was found with 300 grams of skunk, reportedly packaged in sachets for distribution to young people within the community.
The arrest, officials said, demonstrates that no individual is beyond the reach of the law, regardless of age.Female Drug Dealers Nabbed in Imo and EdoIn Imo State, operatives raided a notorious drug hub in Umulolo, Orlu, leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Chioma Okeke.
Eight kilograms of skunk were recovered during the operation.Meanwhile, a coordinated sweep of identified drug hotspots across Benin City, Edo State, resulted in the arrest of four suspected traffickers, including three women.
At Uyosa, Benin City, officers apprehended Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, with assorted illicit substances including 176 grams of skunk, 65 grams of Loud, and 5 grams of methamphetamine.Another female suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was arrested along Agbor Road with 95 grams of Scottish Loud and 329 grams of regular Loud.
In a separate operation at Upper Mission, Benin City, 43-year-old Henry Okey was arrested with quantities of Loud, Colorado, Swinol, and methamphetamine.Kano, Gombe Operations Yield More ArrestsNDLEA operatives in Kano State also recorded a significant breakthrough after arresting 19-year-old Saifullahi Lawan at Kafi area of Madobi on June 4.
The suspect was found in possession of 40 blocks of skunk weighing 38 kilograms.Similarly, in Gombe State, officers intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Sabastine Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area on June 1. He was allegedly caught with 15,000 capsules of tramadol.
WADA Campaign Continues NationwideBeyond enforcement operations, the agency sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign across schools and communities nationwide.
During the week, sensitisation lectures were delivered to students and staff of Holiness Foundation Primary School in Saki, Oyo State; Dorras High School in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State; Ado Girls Secondary School in Onitsha, Anambra State; and Army Day Secondary School in Kano State, among others.
Marwa Commends OperativesReacting to the successful operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers and personnel of the Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano, and Gombe Commands for their dedication and vigilance.
Marwa also praised officers across the country for maintaining a balance between drug supply reduction and demand reduction initiatives.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks nationwide, stressing that traffickers would continue to be targeted regardless of their age, gender, or methods of concealment.
“The NDLEA remains fully committed to dismantling drug supply chains and protecting communities from the devastating impact of illicit drugs,” he said.