NDLEA Arrests Drug Suppliers Linked To Bandits And Prevents Cocaine Export To Saudi Arabia

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) continues its strategic crackdown on narcotics, leading to the apprehension of multiple suspects involved in illicit drug distribution across Nigeria. Among the most recent arrests is a 22-year-old man allegedly supplying narcotics to criminal gangs in Kano State.

According to Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, who shared the development in an official statement on Sunday, April 20, 2025, the NDLEA made several arrests between April 13 and April 18 during targeted operations.

Suspect Nabbed With Injectables Bound for Bandits

On April 13, while conducting patrols along the Bichi-Kano Road, NDLEA agents intercepted Muhammad Mohammed, en route to Katsina State, concealing 277 ampoules of pentazocine injection strapped around his body with cellotape. Authorities believe he was transporting the potent opioid to supply armed bandits in Northern Nigeria.

30kg of Skunk Seized in Kano Suburb

In a separate raid in Rimin Kebe, Nasarawa area of Kano, 43-year-old Mohammed Abdulrahman Abdulaziz was caught with 68 blocks of compressed cannabis, commonly known as skunk, weighing 30 kilograms.

Cocaine Smuggling to Saudi Arabia Foiled in Lagos

Meanwhile, in Lagos, anti-narcotic officers prevented an attempt to export 500 grams of cocaine cleverly hidden in 20 religious books. The consignment was discovered on April 15 by the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) during routine screening at a courier hub. The parcel was reportedly destined for Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, officers confiscated 2.8kg of Loud, a potent cannabis strain, in five parcels sent from the United States, also on April 15.

Pills and Charcoal Concealment Discovered in Zaria and Kebbi

On April 18, agents raided a location in Zaria, Kaduna State, arresting Ike Ani (30) in possession of 31,950 pills of tramadol 225mg and diazepam—controlled medications with high abuse potential.

In Kebbi State, a vehicle transporting 97kg of skunk was intercepted. The drugs had been disguised within sacks of charcoal from Malabil, Benin Republic. Three suspects—Abubakar Ibrahim (50), Mustapha Aliyu (32), and Bashar Lawali (28)—were arrested.

NDLEA Chief Commends Operatives and Encourages Public Vigilance

Reacting to the success of these operations, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, applauded the commitment of the agency’s teams. He highlighted their dedication to curbing drug supply while also addressing demand through public awareness.

“I commend our officers across all affected regions for their diligence in disrupting both the supply chain and consumer access to dangerous drugs,” said Marwa.

The NDLEA called on Nigerians to actively support anti-drug efforts by reporting suspicious activities. Their vigilance can strengthen the ongoing national campaign against illicit substances.

For more on Nigeria’s ongoing drug enforcement strategies, visit UNODC’s Nigeria Country Profile by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Read our related report on how NDLEA is using AI technology to detect concealed drugs (replace with your actual link).