Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have seized a 40ft trailer loaded with 2,217.6 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

This was made known in a statement to Naijaonpoint on Sunday signed by the Agency’s Media and Publicity Director, Femi Babafemi.

The illicit consignment was being distributed into six vehicles for onward delivery to northern states. The intelligence-led operation occurred at 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

The operation also resulted in the confiscation of the trailer, six vehicles (including a Toyota Van, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna, JAC Hilux truck, Toyota Corolla, and a Vento Passat), and the arrest of a 42-year-old suspect, Isaac Monday Desmond. The consignment was reportedly loaded in Uzebba, Owan Local Council, Edo State.

Further Raids Yield Cocaine and Opioids

In another FCT operation, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects, Anthony Nnamdi (42) and Abba Ali (27), in Nyanya, where 1.398 kilograms of cocaine and precursor substances for crack cocaine were recovered.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted 20 wraps of cocaine, weighing 330 grams, concealed in face cream containers within a shipment bound for Australia.

Multi-Billion Naira Codeine Bust in Port Harcourt

A joint operation by NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, uncovered 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup with an estimated street value exceeding ₦1.19 billion. The discovery, made on January 9 and 10, followed processed intelligence and targeted container inspections.

Arrest of Fugitive Shrine Leader and Seizures in Kano

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives apprehended Bariu Aliu, alias Malo, the leader of a skunk trafficking syndicate operating from the Igunuko shrine, Alpha Beach, Ajah, Lekki.

The arrest follows a three-month manhunt after 2,760 kilograms of skunk were recovered at the shrine in October 2024. Two accomplices had already been convicted last year.

In Kano, NDLEA officers arrested Habibu Ya’u (23) during a raid on Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria Road, recovering 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2 kilograms and 40,800 opioid pills, including tramadol.

WADA Advocacy Campaign Intensifies

The NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, organizing sensitization programs in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities. Highlights include a lecture at Ijaye Housing Estate Junior Secondary School, Lagos; outreach to surrendered Boko Haram members in Maiduguri; and advocacy visits to local leaders like the District Head of Danbatta, Kano.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended officers across the country for their successful drug interdiction efforts and balanced approach to reducing drug supply and demand.

See photos from the various raids and arrests below: