Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled a major cocaine syndicate in Lagos, recovering drugs worth ₦2.1 billion and arresting several suspects. The operation, which was part of a special unit’s efforts, targeted a syndicate notorious for packaging, distributing, and trafficking cocaine both within Nigeria and internationally.

The raid led to the arrest of a couple, Agbakoba John Mmadu, 54, and his wife, Agbakoba Ijeoma Chinwe, 39, along with their associate, Okoye Ifeoma Maryjane, 31. The trio was apprehended on July 3, 2024, in various locations across Lagos, including Ago Palace Way in Okota and Plot 2205 Eugene Ndubisi Close, Lilly Estate, Amuwo Odofin.

During the operation, NDLEA operatives seized seven parcels of cocaine weighing 7.652 kilograms from Mmadu and 122 compressed pellets of the same drug, weighing 2.42 kilograms, from Ijeoma and Ifeoma at Lilly Estate. The total haul amounted to 10.1 kilograms of cocaine.

### Nationwide Arrests and Seizures

In Benue State, NDLEA operatives intercepted 350 grams of cocaine concealed in an MP3 speaker at a checkpoint along Enugu Road, Otukpo, leading to the arrest of 25-year-old Odeh Anthony at a motor park in Otukpo.

Meanwhile, a Chadian national, Yves Ahmat Gali, was arrested during a stop-and-search operation in Adamawa State on the Ngurore-Yola road. Gali was found with 5.2 kilograms of cannabis, hidden in a loudspeaker, along with 20 compressed blocks and nine plastic containers of “Loud” cannabis.

In Kano, a youth corps member, Yusuf Abdulrahman, 25, was arrested at the Corps Lodge in Sumaila with 1.25 kilograms of Loud cannabis. In Osun State, Ba’ale Ige Babatunde, 50, was arrested in Akarabata community, Ile-Ife, with five kilograms of fresh cannabis plants.

### Additional Arrests and Drug Destruction

Two suspects, Monday Ali, 49, and Jimoh Alewi, 37, were arrested in Ikota Forest, Ifedore LGA, Ondo State, where NDLEA operatives destroyed 42,500 kilograms of cannabis and recovered 73.5 kilograms of the same substance.

In Abuja, NDLEA operatives arrested Sanusi Mamman, 28, and Usaini Ibrahim, 20, on July 6. They were found with 1,132 bottles of codeine syrup, 13,540 pills of tramadol, 50,000 pills of diazepam, and 59 pills of rohypnol, allegedly transported from Onitsha, Anambra State.

### Ongoing War Against Drug Abuse

NDLEA’s efforts continue across the country with sensitization activities under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. The Agency has conducted enlightenment lectures in schools and communities, including Community Grammar School in Aroro, Ibadan, Oyo State, Candy Secondary School in Agu Awka, Anambra State, and Kofar Nasarawa in Kano State.

### Commendation

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers for their diligence and professionalism. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

Femi Babafemi,
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday, July 7, 2024