Efforts by drug syndicates to smuggle substantial consignments of cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids out of Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja have been thwarted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Multiple intelligence-led operations resulted in the recovery of illicit drugs and the arrest of key suspects.
At MMIA Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted 13 parcels of cocaine weighing 4.40kg destined for the United Kingdom via Frankfurt on November 5, 2024. Following investigations, businessman **Ekeocha Anayo Nelson** was arrested on November 8 in connection with the shipment.
In a separate operation on November 11, NDLEA officers at MMIA foiled an attempt by another businessman, **Adegbite Solomon** (also known as *Obama*), to smuggle 7,800 tramadol pills, 180 rohypnol tablets, and 60 bottles of codeine to Italy. The opioids were concealed in food items in his luggage as he prepared to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Solomon, who claimed he once survived as a street beggar in Europe before venturing into logistics, was apprehended at the departure hall.
Another arrest was made at Terminal 1 of MMIA on November 15, where **Anoke Kingsley Roomy** was caught with 1,100 tramadol pills (225mg) hidden in his luggage while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Istanbul, Turkey.
In Abuja, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a hotel room in the Federal Housing Authority estate, Lugbe, on November 15. Two suspects, **Omeh Uchenna Jude** (36) and **Anene Valentine Chigozie** (34), were arrested with 1.8kg of methamphetamine, which they planned to smuggle to Qatar.
In another operation in Lagos, the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit arrested **Akande Moruf Olasunkanmi** at his residence on Durojaiye Street, Lawanson, Surulere. The raid, which followed weeks of intelligence and surveillance, led to the recovery of 1.8kg of methamphetamine.
The NDLEA’s decisive actions highlight its commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks and safeguarding Nigeria’s international image.
