The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intensified its anti-narcotics operations last week, leading to a major breakthrough. NDLEA arrests a notorious drug kingpin in Lagos and intercepted multiple international drug consignments concealed in food items across Nigeria.
In Lagos, agents arrested 60-year-old Okpara Paul Chigozie, a major cartel leader who had evaded capture since 2019. NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest in a press statement released on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
According to Babafemi, operatives tracked Chigozie to his hideout on Michael Ojo Street, Isheri, Lagos. They earlier intercepted a white Toyota Sienna van transporting his drug consignment on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway around 5:45 a.m.
Acting on intelligence, NDLEA agents stopped the vehicle en route to Onitsha, Anambra State. A detailed search using sniffer dogs uncovered 7.6 kilograms of cocaine and 900 grams of methamphetamine hidden within body compartments. They also arrested the driver, Achebe Kenneth Nnamdi, 51, during the operation.
Following the seizure, agents raided Chigozie’s residence and recovered an additional 1.8 kilograms of cocaine and 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine.
In another operation, NDLEA officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, working with Aviation Security, apprehended Omoregie Uyiosa. Uyiosa, traveling to Italy on July 16, carried 7,790 pills of tramadol and rohypnol. He later admitted he planned to sell the drugs abroad.
Two days later, NDLEA officers at MMIA’s export shed intercepted 1.7kg of skunk concealed in Golden Morn cereal packs bound for Pakistan. The suspect, Chioba Robert Uchenna, attempted to hand over the consignment but was apprehended in the process.
Additionally, NDLEA stormed Sarah Sam Hotels in Kosofe, Lagos, on July 19 after surveillance linked it to party drug distribution. Officers arrested Obayemi Oyetade and seized 1.3kg of cannabis chocolate, 900g of cannabis gummies, and 22.9g of skunk. They also impounded three vehicles used for drug movement.
In the North, NDLEA operations in Kaduna and Gombe States disrupted trafficking networks. On July 19, agents raided Narayi High Cost area, Chikun LGA, Kaduna, and arrested Onyeka Madu, Monday Nwadishi, and Emmanuel Madu. They confiscated 742.8kg of skunk and synthetic cannabis (Colorado).
In Gombe, Aliyu Abubakar attempted to deliver 25,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 but was stopped at Gombe roundabout. Mohammed Adamu and Furaira Idris also transported 29kg of skunk to Kwadom, Yemaltu Deba LGA, before officers caught them.
In Borno State, NDLEA operatives patrolled Baga Road, Maiduguri, on July 19 and flagged down a Mercedes Benz C180. Inside, they discovered 74,360 pills of opioids and arrested the driver, Audu Modu, 44.
In the South-South, NDLEA arrested 63-year-old Akuna Nelson in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, with 163 litres of skuchies, a homemade psychoactive cocktail.
Along the Okene-Lokoja highway in Kogi, officers intercepted a vehicle heading to Minna from Onitsha. They arrested Ikechukwu Abugu, Sunday Ani, Chukwu Christian, and Emmanuel Olisakwe, and confiscated 2kg of methamphetamine.
In Abia State, NDLEA raided the Aba residence of notorious dealer Nduka Obi, 39, and recovered heroin, tramadol, methamphetamine, cocaine, and ₦736,000 in cash.
