President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its recent success in dismantling a major Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and uncovering a sophisticated multi-million-dollar drug trafficking network. This acknowledgment was made in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson. NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, revealed on Wednesday that weeks of intelligence-driven investigations and coordinated operations with international security agencies culminated in this landmark achievement. The operation resulted in the arrest of foreign nationals, local masterminds, and several accomplices, while seizing illegal drugs and precursor chemicals valued at over $360 million. President Tinubu described the operation as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts against organized crime, narcotics trafficking, and transnational criminal networks that threaten both national and regional security. He praised the agency for its professionalism, courage, and unwavering dedication. “I commend the bravery, resilience, and commitment demonstrated by NDLEA operatives throughout this mission,” Tinubu said. “I urge them to remain relentless in tackling the menace of drug trafficking.” The president further highlighted the growing concern of West Africa emerging as a critical transit route for cocaine, synthetic drugs, and unregulated pharmaceutical products destined for Europe and North America. “West Africa has increasingly become a focal point in the global fight against narcotics, with drug traffickers using our region as a hub to move cocaine, synthetic narcotics, and unregulated pharmaceutical products,” he stated. Beyond the security challenges, Tinubu warned of the societal impact of illicit drugs, emphasizing the risk they pose to young people, many of whom fall victim to addiction and exploitation. “Illicit drugs not only represent a security threat but also jeopardize the future of our youth, some of whom have become ensnared in criminal networks,” he added. The president urged all Nigerians to actively support law enforcement agencies by staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activities that could reveal illegal operations or trafficking within their communities. “The fight against illicit drugs is not the NDLEA’s responsibility alone. Every citizen must play a role by remaining watchful and promptly reporting unusual or suspicious activities,” he said. Tinubu concluded by asserting that this operation sends a strong message that Nigeria’s security forces remain steadfast in combating organized crime and upholding the law. “This landmark success underscores that our security agencies will not tolerate organized crime or threats to public safety, and offenders will face justice,” he affirmed. The NDLEA’s accomplishment marks a significant step in strengthening national security, curbing international drug trafficking, and protecting the well-being of Nigerian citizens and the region at large. For related updates on Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking, see NDLEA operations and learn about the global impact of narcotics trafficking from UNODC.
Angolan Businessman Arrested for Drug Trafficking at Kano Airport The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Dajou Abuba, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano. The suspect was apprehended while attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey. Cocaine Trafficker Caught at Kano Airport According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Abuba, a native of Zaire province in Angola, was detained on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, during a routine security screening at the airport. He was scheduled to board Egypt Air Flight MS 880, destined for Istanbul via Cairo. Following a body scan that confirmed he had ingested illegal substances, officials placed him under close observation. Over the course of seven excretions, he expelled 120 cocaine pellets, weighing approximately 1.829 kilograms. Suspect’s Confession and Drug Network Abuba confessed that he previously operated a township delivery business in Angola before turning to drug trafficking. In a related case, NDLEA operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, foiled an attempt by auto spare parts dealer Okeke Ebuka Igwe to smuggle 1.10kg of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola. Following credible intelligence, officers arrested him on Monday, February 24. Another suspect, Ezechi Iyke Cyprian, was caught transporting 5.40kg of cocaine to Owerri, Imo State, in a Toyota Sienna bus on Sunday, February 23. NDLEA’s special operations unit had been monitoring him for weeks before his arrest. Massive Drug Seizures in Lagos and Across Nigeria In a significant drug bust at Tincan Seaport in Lagos on Friday, February 28, NDLEA, in collaboration with Customs and other security agencies, uncovered 128 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent cannabis strain, hidden inside two mattresses in a Toyota Venza imported from Canada. The total consignment weighed 63.75kg, and authorities detained 44-year-old consignee Bamidele Joseph. Additionally, NDLEA operatives in Delta State, backed by military personnel, raided a 20-hectare cannabis farm in Innam-Abbi/Orogun on February 27. Over 50,000kg of illicit cannabis was destroyed, and five suspects were arrested: Augustine Subaru (45), Ukoba Malachukwu (53), Odalonu Emmanuel (40), Esuabom Macaulay (35), and Itoje Safe (54). NDLEA Strikes Drug Syndicates Nationwide NDLEA’s Continued Anti-Drug Campaign As part of its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, NDLEA has intensified sensitization efforts in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities. Recent awareness lectures were held at: NDLEA Chairman Commends Officers NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the dedication of officers across multiple commands, including MMIA, MAKIA, SOU, Tincan, Delta, Edo, Oyo, Kano, Osun, Borno, Zamfara, and Kwara. He highlighted their commitment to reducing drug supply and demand through strategic enforcement and public awareness campaigns. NDLEA Official Website Conclusion The NDLEA’s relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking across Nigeria continue to yield remarkable results. With increasing crackdowns on illicit drug networks, the agency remains committed to eradicating substance abuse and ensuring a safer society. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
