The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested a 63-year-old Chinese woman and intercepted multiple illicit drug shipments across Nigeria, including opioids valued at more than N2.1 billion.

The agency said the suspect, identified as Ting Hung Kiong, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, after arriving from Thailand through Dubai on an Emirates flight.

According to the NDLEA, the woman — described as a Chinese national naturalised in Malaysia — was found with two large suitcases containing 31 kilograms of “Canadian Loud”, a synthetic strain of cannabis.

Investigators said she travelled from Malaysia to Thailand before heading to Nigeria through the United Arab Emirates.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly told officers that her daughter sponsored the trip and that the drug consignment was handed to her at an airport in Thailand for delivery in Nigeria.

N2.1bn opioid shipment recovered from India

In a separate operation, NDLEA officials said they recovered 1,825,710 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg at the import section of the Lagos airport.

The consignment, which arrived from India aboard an Emirates Cargo flight, was valued at N2,190,852,000, according to the agency.

The NDLEA said the shipment was handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service after days of surveillance and monitoring.

Tapentadol is a strong opioid pain medication that authorities say is increasingly being trafficked illegally across West Africa amid rising concerns over drug abuse and addiction.

Why it matters

Nigeria has become a major transit and destination point for illicit narcotics, particularly synthetic opioids and cannabis products.

Security analysts and public health advocates have repeatedly warned that rising drug trafficking networks could deepen addiction, increase organised crime and place more pressure on healthcare and law enforcement systems.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has also identified West Africa as a growing hub for transnational drug trafficking operations.

Arrests made in Abuja and Enugu airports

At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, NDLEA operatives arrested a passenger identified as Onyeka Valentine Emeka during passenger clearance on an Ethiopian Airlines flight arriving from Sierra Leone through Addis Ababa.

The agency said the suspect later excreted 185.36 grams of cocaine while under observation.

Meanwhile, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, officers arrested 29-year-old building engineer Babatunde Prosper Afekhide as he prepared to board a flight to Milan, Italy, through Addis Ababa.

NDLEA officials said a search of his luggage uncovered 10,280 pills of Tramaking 225mg, Tramadol 200mg and Tapentadol 250mg hidden inside a carton wrapped in foil paper.

Authorities believe the concealment method was intended to evade airport detection systems.

Courier interceptions and warehouse raids

The agency also reported several seizures linked to international courier shipments in Lagos.

According to the NDLEA:

1,174 MDMA (Ecstasy) pills were concealed inside a bicycle luggage carrier destined for the Netherlands.

66 tramadol pills hidden inside a soap container were bound for the United States.

18 tramadol tablets concealed in a body cream container were heading to the United Kingdom.

In Edo State, operatives raided the Igwe community in Owan East Local Government Area, recovering 489kg of skunk and 9kg of cannabis seeds.

In Ekiti State, officers said they recovered 1,116kg of skunk during a warehouse raid in Ikole-Ekiti and arrested a 54-year-old suspect, Ogundana Adebayo Julius.

Another suspect, Isah Sani, was arrested along the Zaria-Kano road with 196,000 pills of Exol-5, the agency added.

NDLEA highlights anti-drug awareness campaigns

Beyond enforcement operations, the NDLEA said it continued its “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) sensitisation programme in schools and communities nationwide.

The agency said awareness lectures were held in schools across Oyo, Anambra, Katsina, Lagos, Enugu, Ekiti and Kano states during the past week.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers involved in the arrests and seizures.

He urged personnel across the country to sustain both enforcement operations and anti-drug awareness campaigns.

“Their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities” should continue across the country, Mr Marwa said.

Industry and public reactions

Security experts say the seizures reflect growing sophistication in drug trafficking routes involving Africa, Asia and Europe.

Public health advocates have also raised concerns about the increasing circulation of opioids such as tramadol and tapentadol among young Nigerians.

Community groups and educators have meanwhile welcomed expanded anti-drug awareness campaigns in schools, warning that substance abuse is increasingly affecting students and vulnerable youths.

What happens next?

The suspects are expected to face further investigation and possible prosecution under Nigeria’s drug trafficking laws.

Authorities are also likely to intensify surveillance at airports, courier facilities and border communities as international trafficking networks continue to evolve.

The Delta State Police Command says it has intensified its crackdown on crime across the state after a series of coordinated operations led to the arrest of 23 suspects and the recovery of a stolen HOWO trailer truck.

The operations, carried out in Asaba, Okpanam and Warri on 22 May 2026, also led to the seizure of large quantities of suspected illicit drugs, including codeine, tramadol and substances believed to be Indian hemp.

Police authorities described the raids as part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related crimes, theft and organised criminal activity in Delta State.

Raid on criminal hideouts

According to the police, operatives from the Department of Operations, Buffalo Team and Okpanam patrol teams raided identified “black spots”, criminal hideouts and brothels in the Okpanam axis and parts of the Asaba metropolis.

The operation was reportedly carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi.

Police said 22 male suspects were arrested around the Hausa Market area in Okpanam.

Recovered items included 72 bottles of CSC Codeine, 11 packets of Tramadol, and quantities of substances identified as Swinol, Canadian Loud and suspected Indian hemp.

In a statement signed by police spokesperson Bright Edafe, the Command said the suspects and exhibits had been transferred to the Special Enquiry Unit for further profiling and investigation.

“Suspects found culpable will be prosecuted,” the statement said.

Stolen trailer truck recovered in Anambra

In a separate operation, operatives attached to Operation Safe Delta recovered a stolen HOWO trailer truck allegedly snatched by suspected criminals.

Police said the recovery followed a petition alleging conspiracy, theft and the hijacking of the vehicle.

The truck, bearing registration number KK/192 XA, was traced to Ifite-Awka in Anambra State before being recovered and transported back to Asaba.

Authorities said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects connected to the case.

Female suspect arrested with suspected Indian hemp

Meanwhile, operatives of the Quick Response Squad in Warri intercepted a tricycle during a stop-and-search operation along Esisi Road.

Police said a search of the vehicle uncovered 13 nylon bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

A 57-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Investigators are now working to determine the origin and intended destination of the drugs.

Why it matters

Security agencies across Nigeria have faced growing pressure to combat drug trafficking, violent crime and organised criminal networks.

Delta State, a major economic and oil-producing hub in southern Nigeria, has seen repeated police operations targeting suspected criminal hideouts and drug distribution networks.

Security analysts say drug abuse among young people remains a major concern in many urban centres, with substances such as tramadol and codeine frequently linked to criminal activity and addiction.

Public safety experts have also warned that stolen heavy-duty vehicles are increasingly being used in interstate criminal operations, making rapid recovery efforts important for transport and logistics businesses.

Public reaction and security concerns

Residents in parts of Asaba and Warri have welcomed the operations, although some community members continue to call for sustained policing rather than occasional crackdowns.

Civil society groups have also urged authorities to balance enforcement with rehabilitation programmes for drug users and stronger youth engagement initiatives.

The police have repeatedly encouraged residents to provide intelligence that could help prevent crime and improve community security.

What the police said

Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information.

“All suspects found culpable will be brought to justice,” he said.

The Command asked members of the public to report suspicious activities through its control room emergency line.

The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports circulating online that abducted students, pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area have been rescued.

In a statement issued on Thursday, police authorities said the victims remain in captivity while joint security operations continue to secure their release and arrest those responsible for the abduction.

The clarification comes amid growing public concern and widespread social media claims suggesting the victims had regained freedom.

Police warn against fake news

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said the reports were false and urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information.

“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the abducted students, pupils, and teachers in Orire Local Government Area are yet to be released, as intensive efforts by security agencies continue to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the criminal act,” the statement said.

The command added that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

“The Command hereby debunks the rumour currently circulating that the victims have been rescued. Members of the public are urged to remain calm, support the ongoing efforts of the joint security team, and verify every piece of information before sharing it.”

Police also warned that fake news could heighten public anxiety and place additional pressure on already stretched security resources.

“The spread of fake news and misinformation only creates unnecessary panic, heightens tension, and diverts limited security resources that are critically needed for the ongoing operations,” the statement added.

Why the incident matters

The abduction has renewed concerns over insecurity affecting schools and rural communities in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have continued to threaten education and public safety.

Security analysts say false reports during emergencies can complicate rescue operations, create confusion for families and communities, and make it harder for authorities to communicate verified updates.

Parents and residents in affected communities have continued to demand stronger security measures around schools and vulnerable rural areas.

Public urged to rely on verified information

The police said verified updates would be released as investigations and rescue operations progress.

Authorities advised residents seeking authentic information to contact the Police Public Relations Officer or the command control room through official emergency lines.

Emergency contacts

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08081768614

09054133071

Industry and public reactions

Security experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of misinformation during crisis situations, especially on social media platforms where unverified claims can spread rapidly.

Community leaders in Oyo State have also called for calm, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies while rescue efforts continue.

Education advocates say incidents involving schools deepen fears among parents and could affect school attendance in vulnerable communities if insecurity persists.

What happens next?

Security agencies are expected to continue coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the victims safely and tracking down the perpetrators.

The police say further official updates will be communicated as developments unfold.