Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have launched massive raids across Lagos, Edo and Ondo states leading to the seizure of over 44,948.1 kilograms (44.9 tonnes) of illicit drugs and arrests of eight suspects as well as the seizure of 11 vehicles owned by the drug cartels.
This was disclosed in a press statement signed by Femi Babafemi, the Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, today, 24th March 2024.
According to the release, the raids targeted key areas known for drug trafficking activities, including Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Kano, Borno, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In Lagos, over 10,000 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strain of cannabis, were seized in Ajah, alongside the apprehension of several suspects. Additionally, a suspect named Miracle Obi was arrested in the Ago Palace Way area with a significant quantity of various drugs.
In Ondo state, a total of 7,687.8 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed in a warehouse in Ala forest, Akure, with an additional 670 kilograms evacuated. Similar operations in Edo and Ondo led to the destruction of thousands of kilograms of cannabis on various farms, resulting in multiple arrests.
Furthermore, significant quantities of illicit substances were seized in Kano, Borno, and Kaduna states, with suspects apprehended along major highways and checkpoints. Notably, in Kano, a syndicate dealing in cocaine and heroin was dismantled, leading to the arrest of Onyeka Uba and Ubale Sani.
The operations also extended to the Federal Capital Territory, where NDLEA operatives disrupted the activities of a cocaine syndicate, resulting in the arrest of three key leaders. Substantial amounts of cocaine, cannabis, and monetary exhibits were recovered from their residences.
In addition to enforcement actions, the NDLEA intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign, conducting sensitization lectures in schools and various communities across the country.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the officers and men involved in the operations for their outstanding performance. He also applauded the efforts of all NDLEA commands for their dedication to combating drug trafficking and abuse nationwide.
The successful raids signify a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria, demonstrating the government’s commitment to curbing the illicit drug trade and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Read the full statement here:
