Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted cocaine concealed in food flasks at Lagos airport, as part of a series of operations that led to multiple arrests and large drug seizures across Nigeria.

The agency said 12 parcels of cocaine weighing 2.8kg were discovered in the false bottoms of food flasks bound for the United Kingdom.

The seizure was made on 9 April at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Two cargo agents were arrested at the scene, while a third suspect, identified as the sender, was later apprehended during follow-up investigations.

Drugs Hidden in Snacks and Cargo

In a separate operation, NDLEA officers intercepted 2.9kg of “loud” — a potent strain of cannabis — concealed in snack packs arriving from the United States.

Investigators arrested two clearing agents before tracking down the consignee, a 29-year-old fashion designer, at his residence in Lagos.

Nationwide Crackdown Expands

Beyond Lagos, NDLEA operations uncovered large drug consignments across several states.

In Kaduna, officers intercepted a truck carrying 847kg of cannabis hidden among cement bags along the Kaduna–Zaria highway. The driver was arrested.

In Cross River, a joint raid involving security forces led to the destruction of 15,000kg of cannabis cultivated on farmland, with an additional 119kg recovered.

Similarly, in Edo State, operatives destroyed more than 2,200kg of cannabis at a forest camp and arrested three suspects.

Additional arrests were made in Delta State, where over 87kg of cannabis was seized.

Attempt to Smuggle Drugs to Ghana Foiled

In Lagos, two suspects were arrested while transporting thousands of tramadol capsules and phenobarbital injections in a truck heading to Ghana.

On the same day, NDLEA operatives raided a residential building on Lagos Island, recovering nearly 96kg of cannabis.

Why It Matters

Nigeria remains a key transit and consumption hub in global drug trafficking networks.

The NDLEA’s latest seizures highlight evolving smuggling tactics, including the use of everyday items like food flasks and snack packs to evade detection.

Such operations also underline the public health risks associated with illicit drug circulation, especially among young people.

Agency Response

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the operations and arrests in a statement.

“Operatives have continued to record major successes in both drug supply reduction and sensitisation efforts across the country.”

The agency’s Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations.

He praised their “balanced approach to drug supply reduction and public sensitisation,” urging them to maintain momentum.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Alongside enforcement, the NDLEA says it has expanded its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

Recent outreach programmes targeted schools and communities in states including Niger, Cross River, Kogi, Katsina, Kano, and Lagos.

Industry and Public Perspective

Security analysts say the scale of recent seizures reflects both improved enforcement and persistent trafficking demand.

They warn that drug networks are becoming more sophisticated, requiring sustained intelligence-led policing and public cooperation.

What’s Next

The NDLEA is expected to intensify surveillance at airports, highways, and border routes.

Authorities say investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, with possible prosecution to follow.

The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested several suspects and recovered large quantities of suspected hard drugs during recent operations across the state.

In a statement issued on 18 April 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the raids were part of efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes.

According to police, operatives raided a drug hideout in Ugholo community on 15 April, arresting a 33-year-old woman identified as Justina Onokpasa.

Officers reportedly recovered “two large bags of weeds suspected to be Canadian loud,” along with hundreds of smaller containers and other substances believed to be illegal drugs.

Other items listed include codeine, tramadol, molly drugs, and empty distribution cans.

Police said:

“Suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing.”

More arrests in Abraka drug crackdown

A separate operation in Abraka on 16 April led to the arrest of three additional suspects.

The State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) carried out the raid, recovering what authorities described as “large quantities of weed suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.”

The police added that all suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

Police commissioner praises officers, urges public support

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended officers involved in the operations.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling drug-related crimes and called on residents to assist law enforcement.

“The Command will sustain the operations and urges the public to continue to support the Police with credible information,” the statement said.

CP tours Asaba, warns against misconduct

In a related development, the police commissioner conducted a security tour across strategic locations in Asaba, including the Second Niger Bridge and Ugbolu–Illah Road.

During the visit, he addressed officers and stressed the importance of professionalism and respect for human rights.

He warned personnel against misconduct, including extortion and harassment.

“The command will not tolerate any form of misconduct or complaints from the public,” he said.

He added that officers must remain vigilant while engaging the public with “courtesy and respect.”

Why it matters

Drug trafficking remains a major concern in parts of southern Nigeria, often linked to organised crime and violent offences such as kidnapping.

Security analysts say sustained enforcement operations could help disrupt criminal networks but stress the importance of due process and community trust.

Residents in affected areas have repeatedly called for stronger policing, alongside rehabilitation programmes for drug users.

Public and expert perspectives

Security experts say drug raids can reduce crime if combined with intelligence-led policing.

However, they warn that heavy-handed tactics or misconduct by officers could undermine public cooperation.

Community leaders in Delta State have also urged authorities to focus on prevention, including youth engagement and education.

What’s next

Police say investigations are ongoing and further arrests may follow.

Authorities are also expected to intensify surveillance in identified hotspots across the state.

The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.

The handover, carried out on 14 April 2026 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, follows a years-long investigation into the suspect’s alleged crimes.

What the suspect is accused of

According to police, UK authorities had requested Adebiyi’s extradition in September 2024 over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on 18 June 2018.

Investigators say he fled to Nigeria shortly after the incident.

He is also accused of supplying crack cocaine, classified as a Class-A drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.

How the arrest and extradition happened

The suspect was arrested on 23 January 2025 by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja.

Legal proceedings followed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

On 16 February 2026, Justice A.O. Faji approved the extradition request under Nigeria’s Extradition Act.

Authorities then executed a surrender warrant, leading to Adebiyi’s transfer to UK law enforcement officials.

Police reaffirm global cooperation

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the extradition highlights Nigeria’s commitment to international policing.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.”

Why it matters

The case underscores growing collaboration between Nigeria and international law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational crime.

Security analysts say such actions could improve Nigeria’s global reputation in crime prevention and justice enforcement.

It also sends a signal to suspects attempting to evade justice across borders.

Industry and public perspective

Criminal justice experts note that extradition cases often involve lengthy legal processes and diplomatic coordination.

Public reactions on social media have largely supported the move, with many calling for continued crackdowns on cross-border criminal networks.

What happens next

Adebiyi is expected to stand trial in the UK, where prosecutors will present evidence related to both the murder and drug trafficking allegations.

If convicted, he could face significant prison time under UK law.