A series of anti-drug operations across Nigeria has led to the arrest of a newlywed businessman allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine to Portugal, the seizure of 2.55 million opioid pills in Lagos, and the interception of cannabis, nitrous oxide and other controlled substances in several states.
The operations, announced by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), covered airports, border routes, motor parks, suspected drug distribution centres and cannabis farms.
One of the cases involved 25-year-old Lovely Chukwulobelu, who was arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu after authorities alleged that he had swallowed dozens of cocaine packages ahead of an international flight.
The agency also reported major seizures in Lagos, Oyo, Edo and other locations, highlighting the range of drug trafficking routes and distribution activities targeted during the operations.
Newlywed arrested over alleged cocaine trafficking attempt
Chukwulobelu was arrested on September 25, 2026, at the departure hall of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, while preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal via Addis Ababa.
According to the NDLEA, the 25-year-old had ingested 72 wraps of cocaine before arriving at the airport.
Following his arrest, he was placed under excretion observation and subsequently expelled all 72 wraps, the agency said.
The NDLEA disclosed that Chukwulobelu was wearing his wedding ring when officers apprehended him.
In his account to investigators, he reportedly said he previously operated a car decoration business at the Trade Fair Complex in the Ojo area of Lagos before relocating to Portugal in May 2023.
He had returned to Nigeria shortly before his wedding on September 13, 2026.
The agency said the suspect allegedly told investigators that he became involved in drug trafficking in an attempt to recover expenses incurred during his wedding.
The allegations have not been established in court.
Lagos airport seizure: 2.55 million opioid pills intercepted
In a separate operation at the import shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NDLEA officers seized 2.55 million pills of opioids from three monitored consignments.
The consignments contained:
- Tramaking 225mg.
- Tramaking 250mg.
- Royal Tapentadol 250mg.
The combined gross weight of the seized consignments was 1,640.55kg.
According to the agency, the shipments originated from India and Bangladesh and arrived through Qatar Airways, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.
The seizure represents one of the major pharmaceutical-drug interceptions highlighted in the agency’s latest operational report.
Lagos raids uncover cannabis and pharmaceutical drugs
NDLEA operatives carried out separate operations in Mushin and Ebute-Ero, Lagos, on September 26.
At Anifowoshe Street in Mushin, officers arrested two women identified as 36-year-old Odumabo Kehinde and 40-year-old Obiekwe Chioma.
The agency said 3.4kg of skunk, a potent form of cannabis, was recovered during the operation.
In a separate raid at Ebute-Ero motor park, officers arrested 58-year-old Ugwu Johnson.
The substances reportedly recovered from him included:
| Substance | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Skunk | 5.920kg |
| Pentazocine injection | 2,400 ampoules |
| Nitrazepam | 8,400 tablets |
| Tramadol | 40,000 pills |
The seizure involved both cannabis and pharmaceutical substances, including drugs that can pose serious risks when used outside approved medical supervision.
Cannabis trafficking intercepted in Oyo State
Two Togolese nationals were arrested along the Iganna-Ilero road in Iganna, Oyo State, in another operation targeting suspected cross-border drug trafficking.
The suspects were identified as 35-year-old Yinusa Abdulsamad and 33-year-old Fatai Baba.
The NDLEA said officers recovered 305.6kg of skunk concealed in two pickup vans allegedly used to transport the consignment.
According to the agency, the cannabis originated from Ghana and was being moved into Nigeria through the Oyo route.
In a separate operation in the state, NDLEA officers intercepted a truck bearing registration number MUB757 YH.
The truck allegedly contained 300 compressed blocks of skunk weighing 262.5kg, concealed in a false compartment.
Edo cannabis farms destroyed
In Edo State, NDLEA personnel, supported by soldiers, destroyed two cannabis farms at Eko Camp, Ilushi.
The agency estimated that the farms had a combined potential yield of 1,360.23kg of cannabis.
The operation formed part of efforts to disrupt local cultivation and prevent harvested cannabis from entering distribution networks.
Seme border operation yields 1,688kg of nitrous oxide
At the Seme border in Badagry, Lagos State, NDLEA officers arrested five suspects and seized 420 cartons of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas.
The seized substance weighed 1,688.4kg, according to the agency.
The suspects were identified as:
- Kingsley John, 40.
- John Chibuike Okeke, 44.
- Lamidi Ismaila, 40.
- Babatunde Samuel, 42.
- Afeesu Idowu, 47.
Two vehicles allegedly used to transport the consignment from the border into Lagos were also seized.
Nitrous oxide has legitimate medical and industrial applications, but its misuse for recreational purposes can carry serious health risks.
NDLEA expands drug prevention campaigns
Alongside the seizures and arrests, the agency said its commands continued public awareness activities under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
The sensitisation programmes were held in schools, religious centres, workplaces and communities across several states.
Locations mentioned by the NDLEA included Community High School in Saki, Oyo State; Auchi College in Edo State; Alkali Modibbo Islamic Centre in Dukku, Gombe State; and Junior Arabic Secondary School in Kahu, Kano State.
The Delta Ports Command also conducted an advocacy visit to the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatshe III.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended personnel involved in the operations, including officers from the Enugu airport, Lagos airport, Lagos, Oyo, Edo, Seme and Bauchi commands.
He urged officers to maintain the agency’s approach to drug control, which combines enforcement with public education and prevention.
Why the latest NDLEA operations matter
The operations highlight several areas of concern for Nigeria’s drug control efforts.
International trafficking routes: The airport seizures and the alleged movement of cannabis from Ghana point to the importance of monitoring international air travel, cargo shipments and cross-border transport.
Pharmaceutical drug diversion: The interception of millions of opioid pills and thousands of other pharmaceutical products underscores concerns about the movement of controlled medicines outside legitimate medical channels.
Domestic cultivation and distribution: The destruction of cannabis farms and seizures at motor parks and along highways demonstrate the role of local production and road transport in drug supply networks.
Public health and prevention: The WADA campaigns show that the agency is also seeking to address drug misuse through education and community engagement.
What happens next?
The NDLEA’s announcements establish that the agency reported arrests and seizures, but they do not provide complete information about court proceedings, formal charges or the final disposition of each case.
The next developments to watch include whether suspects are formally charged, whether additional investigations identify other members of the alleged trafficking networks, and whether further details emerge about the origins and intended destinations of the seized substances.
All suspects named in the report should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
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