Uncovers Drug Networks in Lagos, Bauchi, Edo, Kano, and More
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 43-year-old female make-up artist, Adekoya Adebukonla Mary, who claimed she was travelling to India for fibroid surgery, after she was caught with 2.2 kilograms of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The suspect was apprehended on Monday, June 16, 2025, while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to India via Doha. NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, placed her under surveillance and allowed her to check in her luggage before arresting her at the boarding gate. A thorough search revealed two large parcels of cocaine factory-fitted into the walls of her suitcase.
In her statement, Adekoya admitted she was lured into the illicit deal for financial gain, under the pretext of travelling for surgery. Further investigation revealed her sponsor to be a drug baron identified as Akeem Ayinde Adekanbi, owner of Rockford Hotel in Sango, Ogun State. Adekanbi is reportedly on the run and resides in the Igbogbo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
In a related development, NDLEA operatives attached to the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted illicit drug shipments at two courier firms in Lagos. On Wednesday, June 18, officers uncovered 850 grams of cocaine hidden in cloth hangers en route to Australia. The following day, another 1.3 kilograms of “Loud” – a potent strain of cannabis – was found concealed in sewn female dresses bound for Bahrain.
Meanwhile, in Bauchi State, two suspects, Ibrahim Galadima, 37, and Ibrahim Muhammed, 28, were arrested on the Bauchi-Darazo road with a staggering 1,013,000 pills of opioids, including tramadol, diazepam, and exol-5. Similarly, 38-year-old Bishir Isyaku was apprehended along the Kaduna-Zaria expressway with 14.2kg of skunk concealed in charcoal sacks and seven cartons of rubber solution weighing 198kg.
In the Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA officers raided hotspots including Karu Abattoir and Torabora, arresting six suspects and seizing 6.9kg of skunk and 59 grams of methamphetamine.
Kano State was also a major target during the week-long nationwide operation. Officers on patrol along the Zaria-Kano road arrested Umar Hamisu, 19, and Dahiru Abdullahi, 32, with 56.2kg of skunk. On the same day, Obiwuru Henry, 27, was nabbed with 23,720 capsules of tramadol and 1,400 ampoules of pentazocine. Two additional suspects, Abubakar Modu, 60, and Abdulkadir Muhammed, 28, were found with 36.6kg and 32kg of skunk respectively.
In Kwara State, 22-year-old Olotin Nifemi, a student of Kwara Polytechnic known for selling drugs to fellow students, was arrested on Thursday, June 19, with 1kg of skunk along Kwara Poly road, Ilorin.
Edo State operatives destroyed a cannabis farm at Ugbada camp in the Uzebba forest of Owan West LGA, burning 4,226.11kg of skunk on Friday, June 20. One suspect, Albert Shamaki, 33, was arrested during the operation. Earlier on June 19, raids on the Big Jamaya supermarket in Emado community, Esan West LGA, and a provision shop in Idumeka, Igueben, led to the arrest of Esther Abumere, 28, and Eko Gift, 38. Recovered items included Colorado, Loud, Molly, Tramadol, and 1.143kg of skunk.
On the advocacy front, NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued with sensitization lectures in secondary schools across Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kano, and Enugu states. In Osun, the NDLEA State Command paid an advocacy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the efforts of officers across MMIA, DOGI, and state commands in Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Edo, and FCT. He commended their commitment to both drug supply and demand reduction, urging continued vigilance in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.