NDLEA operatives dismantled a major Lagos drug syndicate after a three-week intelligence-led operation. The raid exposed sophisticated smuggling tactics, targeting networks preying on Nigeria’s vulnerable urban communities relentlessly.
They intercepted cocaine consignments expertly hidden in tins of palm kernel extract shipments.
NDLEA Breakthrough Disrupts Cross-Border Narcotics Flows
This breakthrough disrupted cross-border flows, showcasing NDLEA’s advanced surveillance and determination to curb narcotics infiltration.
NDLEA arrested the cartel’s kingpin alongside key accomplices, including a pastor and his wife.
Further probes promise more arrests, reinforcing NDLEA’s crackdown on high-profile traffickers in Lagos.
The agency stated that illicit consignments targeted the UK; the syndicate used sophisticated concealment methods to evade detection.
NDLEA Intercepts 3.10kg Cocaine at Lagos Airport Shed
The breakthrough began on March 11, 2026, when NDLEA officers attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command in Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 3.10 kilograms of cocaine at the export shed.
Traffickers carefully concealed the drugs inside tins of palm kernel extract prepared for shipment abroad.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, detailed the arrests in a statement.
NDLEA swiftly apprehended two suspects tied to the cocaine shipment: Idris Olayiwola Amoo and Akinlami Akinsoji Adedoyin.
Their capture followed the palm kernel extract interception, unraveling the syndicate’s operations.
Babafemi highlighted ongoing investigations, vowing thorough prosecution to deter future smuggling in Lagos and beyond.
Babafemi said a follow-up sting operation on April 2 led to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, identified as Ezemuwo Joel, who allegedly operated under a false identity, Ajayi.
Arrest Leads to Lagos Kingpin Arinze’s Hideout Bust
Investigations following his arrest guided operatives to syndicate leader King Arinze, 52, whom they tracked to an Isolo, Lagos hideout.
Operatives subsequently took him to his warehouse at 11, Ola Ifa Street, Bucknor, Isolo, and uncovered extensive drug concealment evidence.
NDLEA raided the syndicate’s warehouse, recovering 886 tins of palm kernel extract primed for cocaine concealment.
Seized Machines Expose Pro Smuggling Ops in Lagos
Industrial sealing machines, tin openers, and paint sprays revealed professional smuggling operations in Lagos.
Additional items seized included 52 grams of cannabis sativa and a pack of hand gloves.
These finds expose the cartel’s meticulous setup, fueling NDLEA’s aggressive push against drug networks.
The suspect reportedly confessed to personally draining the oil from the tins to hide cocaine consignments.
In a related operation in Borno State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 28-year-old woman, Aisha Adamu, along the Gamboru Ngala road with 4.3 kilograms of Colorado, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis.
She was suspected to be supplying drugs to bandit groups operating in the North East and neighbouring Chad.
NDLEA Nabs Celestial Pastor, Wife at Seme Checkpoint
In Lagos, a pastor of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Sakpo area of Seme border, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, 45, and his wife, Success Hodonu, 35, were arrested at the Gbaji checkpoint.
A search of their Honda Pilot SUV led to the discovery of 11 kilograms of skunk concealed in hidden compartments.
NDLEA Seizes 48,000 Tramadol Pills in Adamawa Bust
In Adamawa, NDLEA operatives intercepted a trailer on Namtari road, Yola South, seizing 48,000 tramadol pills.
The bold stop disrupted a major opioid distribution route threatening public health.
NDLEA immediately arrested driver Abdulaziz Ismail Korede and recipient Idris Adamu.
In Osun, NDLEA arrested 60-year-old Idiatu Oladejo with 15kg skunk in Isale Osun, Osogbo.
Operatives also raided the Itaogbolu forest in Akure, Ondo State, recovering 351 kilograms of skunk and its seeds.
NDLEA Seizes 28,600 Tramadol from Benue Suspect
In Benue, NDLEA seized 28,600 tramadol capsules from 66-year-old suspect Aminu Usman Gembu at Aliade.
In Edo State, NDLEA raided a warehouse in Egbanke community, Orhionmwon LGA, uncovering 1,378 kilograms of skunk.
The massive haul crippled a key cannabis distribution hub in the region.
NDLEA arrested suspect Roland Owie during the operation; he faces trafficking charges.
This strike highlights NDLEA’s relentless campaign against drug barons operating from southern warehouses.
