NDLEA Cracks Down on International Drug Trafficking: Lekki, Italy-Based Kingpins Arrested 13,198kg Cannabis Destroyed in Edo, Katsina Drug Factory Dismantled Marwa Hails Officers, Advocates for Drug-Free Society on Eid-El-Fitr

In a sweeping crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lekki-based businessman, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, and an Italy-based trafficker, Omoruyi Terry, over attempts to smuggle dangerous narcotics between Nigeria, the United States, and Europe.

Arokodare, the proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, was apprehended on March 24, 2025, at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, while waiting to receive a shipment of 60 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis from the United States. The illicit consignment, hidden in seven large cartons, had been intercepted earlier by NDLEA operatives at a Lagos-based logistics company on March 12. Following his arrest, a search of his Lekki residence uncovered 94 grams of the same psychoactive substance, a cannabis crusher, and drug paraphernalia, bringing the total weight of drugs seized from him to 32.24kg. During interrogation, he admitted to engaging in the illicit trade since 2017.

Similarly, NDLEA operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, thwarted an attempt by Omoruyi Terry, an Italy-based frequent traveler and logistics agent, to smuggle 1,400 pills of Tramadol 225mg weighing 800 grams to Italy. Omoruyi was intercepted at Terminal 2 while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight.

In a related operation in Katsina State, NDLEA operatives stormed a drug repackaging factory in Godai village, Daura Local Government Area, arresting four suspects—Baraka Abubakar (40), Haruna Alitine (23), Muhammad Babangida (20), and Hamisu Lawal. The raid led to the seizure of 684 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 423kg and 86,000 diazepam pills. The suspects were caught repackaging the pills into unbranded containers, while the female suspect, Baraka, was found in possession of large quantities of skunk stored in her house.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Edo State destroyed 13,198kg of cannabis sativa hidden in major forest plantations. The large-scale destruction, carried out between March 24 and March 28, targeted four illicit farms in Uhen Forest (Ovia North East LGA), Sobe (Owan West LGA), and Amahor Forest (Igueben LGA). Additionally, 158kg of the drug was seized for further investigation and prosecution.

Further nationwide crackdowns resulted in the interception of 77.6kg of compressed skunk concealed in a false-bottom compartment of a Toyota Corolla at Mokwa-Jebba Road, Niger State. The two occupants, Paul Christopher (46) and Lucky Star Anumie, were arrested. In Wawa Village, Borgu, another 50kg of skunk was recovered from the home of a suspect, Isa Iliya, who remains at large.

In separate operations:

• NDLEA officers raided lockup shops in Aria New Market, Enugu, seizing 108.5kg of skunk.
• 25kg of cannabis was confiscated from Abdulrazak Saka in Ilorin, Kwara State.
• In Ibadan, Oyo State, Suli Saheed (50) was caught with 2.5kg of Ghanaian “Loud” and 515 grams of Colorado.

Amid these enforcement efforts, NDLEA has sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns, reaching schools, workplaces, and religious centers. Recent outreach programs took place at Blessed Martins International School (Ebonyi), Model Ideal College (Enugu), Oto-Awori Senior Secondary School (Lagos), and Command Secondary School (Adamawa).

Commending the dedication of NDLEA officers in Lagos, Edo, Katsina, Kwara, Niger, Enugu, and Oyo, the agency’s Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their efforts in both drug supply reduction and demand reduction strategies.

Extending his Eid-El-Fitr greetings, Marwa said, “May the spirit of obedience and sacrifice that defines this special day guide and strengthen us as we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a drug-free society. May Allah continue to bless and guide us, and may our collective efforts bring us closer to a safer and healthier society for all.”

NDLEA has vowed to intensify its crackdown on drug syndicates, ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s youth and communities from the menace of illicit drugs.

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