By Nkechi Eze
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, intercepting large consignments of opioids concealed in building materials in Taraba State and arresting several suspects, including a 75-year-old drug dealer in Ebonyi State and four notorious female traffickers across different parts of the country.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, a major breakthrough was recorded in Taraba State on June 6, 2026, following credible intelligence that led operatives to intercept a truck transporting building materials from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo.
A comprehensive search of the vehicle at Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo uncovered a massive cache of illicit substances concealed beneath the cargo. The operation led to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi.
Recovered from the truck were 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 tablets of rohypnol, and 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.
In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 75-year-old suspect, Okebe Samuel, at Okposi. The elderly suspect was found in possession of 300 grams of skunk allegedly packaged for retail distribution to youths within the community.
In Imo State, operatives raided a notorious drug enclave at Umulolo in Orlu, resulting in the arrest of 32-year-old female suspect, Chioma Okeke. Eight kilograms of skunk were recovered during the operation.
The agency also recorded significant successes in Edo State, where operatives conducted coordinated raids on identified drug hotspots across Benin City on June 2, 2026.
At Uyosa, officers arrested two female suspects, Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, with various illicit substances including 176 grams of skunk, 65 grams of Loud and five grams of methamphetamine. Along Agbor Road, another female suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was apprehended with 95 grams of Scottish Loud and 329 grams of regular Loud.
In a separate operation at Upper Mission, Benin City, a 43-year-old suspect, Henry Okey, was arrested with quantities of Loud, Colorado, Swinol and methamphetamine.
Further north, NDLEA operatives in Kano State arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Saifullahi Lawan, at Kafi in Madobi Local Government Area on June 4. He was found in possession of 40 blocks of skunk weighing 38 kilograms.
In Gombe State, operatives intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Sabastine Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area on June 1. He was arrested with 15,000 capsules of tramadol.
Beyond enforcement operations, the agency sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign through sensitisation programmes conducted in schools across the country. The awareness lectures were delivered to students and staff of Holiness Foundation Primary School in Saki, Oyo State; Dorras High School, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State; Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State; and Army Day Secondary School, Kano State, among others.
Reacting to the successful operations, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers and personnel of the Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano and Gombe Commands for their vigilance and professionalism.
He also praised personnel across other commands nationwide for maintaining a balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts, stressing that the agency remains resolute in dismantling drug trafficking networks and pursuing offenders irrespective of age, gender or concealment tactics.
