In a series of intelligence-led operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) weekend seized large consignments of illicit drugs, vehicles and arrested key suspects across Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The agency’s efforts highlight its resolve to combat drug trafficking and distribution in Nigeria.

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 40-foot trailer loaded with skunk-a potent strain of cannabis-at an abandoned fuel station in the Kagini, Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The trailer, which carried 2,217.6 kilograms of the illicit substance, was in the process of offloading its cargo into six vehicles for onward distribution to northern states.
One suspect, 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond, was arrested during the operation. The NDLEA added that the consignment was loaded in Uzebba, Owan local government area, Edo state, before being transported to Abuja.
In a separate operation in the FCT, two suspects, Anthony Nnamdi (42) and Abba Ali (27), were arrested in Nyanya with 1.398 kilograms of cocaine and precursor substances used to manufacture crack cocaine.
In Lagos, officers from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted a shipment of cocaine concealed in face cream containers at a logistics firm. The parcel, destined for Australia, contained 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330 grams.
At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers state, NDLEA operatives, in collaboration with Customs and other security agencies, intercepted 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup valued at over ₦1.19 billion. The seizure was made during joint examinations of two containers flagged by NDLEA intelligence on January 9 and 10, 2025.
In a long-awaited breakthrough, NDLEA officers arrested Bariu Aliu (alias Malo), a traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine in Alpha Beach, Ajah, Lagos. Bariu had been on the run since October 25, 2024, when 2,760 kilograms of skunk were recovered from his shrine.
While two of his accomplices were arrested, charged, and convicted last year, Bariu, identified as the syndicate leader, was apprehended after a three-month manhunt.
The NDLEA’s director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, stated that these operations underscore the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.