The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested three persons with disabilities (PWDs) in separate drug trafficking operations across Anambra and Kwara states, as operatives also uncovered a major cannabis stash house in Lekki, Lagos.

The agency said the Lagos operation led to the seizure of 2,326 kilograms of “Loud”, a potent strain of cannabis with an estimated street value of more than N5.8 billion.

The arrests and seizures were announced in a statement issued on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi.

Massive Lekki Drug Bust

According to the NDLEA, operatives from its Special Operations Unit raided a mansion at 36 African Lane in Lekki Phase 1 on Friday.

Officials said they recovered 4,000 parcels of Loud cannabis hidden inside the property.

Two Mercedes-Benz buses and packaging materials allegedly used for retail drug distribution were also seized.

The agency described the building as a “stash house” used for storing and distributing illegal drugs within Lagos and beyond.

Why it matters

The seizure highlights growing concerns among security agencies over the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking networks in Nigeria’s commercial hubs.

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and busiest port economy, has increasingly become a strategic transit point for narcotics traffickers targeting both domestic and international markets, according to security analysts.

Experts warn that the spread of synthetic and high-potency cannabis products among young Nigerians is becoming a major public health concern.

Three Persons With Disabilities Arrested

The NDLEA said one of the suspects, 60-year-old Romanus Nwabara, was arrested in Akpaka Forest, Onitsha, after officers allegedly found him with 250 grams of skunk packaged in retail sachets.

In a separate operation in Ogbunike, Anambra State, operatives arrested Amos Kenneth, 25, with tramadol, diazepam, Exol-5 tablets, and skunk.

Meanwhile, in Kwara State, officers intercepted a commercial vehicle along Bode Saadu road and arrested Usman Salisu after allegedly discovering 6.3 kilograms of skunk concealed in a school bag.

The NDLEA did not specify the nature of the disabilities of the suspects.

Public and advocacy perspectives

Disability rights advocates have repeatedly called for balanced public reporting involving persons with disabilities, warning against reinforcing stereotypes linking disability with criminality.

Social policy experts say economic hardship, unemployment, and social exclusion may contribute to vulnerability among some marginalised groups, including PWDs.

Additional Arrests Across Nigeria

The anti-drug agency also announced several other operations carried out in recent days.

In Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Osita Okeke, 38, was arrested in Nyanya Karu with 129 kilograms of skunk, according to the agency.

In Kogi State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commuter bus travelling to Abuja and reportedly recovered 766 kilograms of skunk hidden inside 76 jumbo bags.

Three suspects, Mathew Omohove, Ebuka Desmond, and Babangida Musa were arrested.

NDLEA Raids ‘Skuchies’ Factory in Lagos

In another operation in the Ijora Badia area of Lagos, officers raided what the agency described as a makeshift “skuchies” production factory.

Two suspects, Bose Jamiu and Gbenga Gege  were arrested while allegedly mixing cannabis with other illicit substances.

The NDLEA said officers recovered 270 litres of the substance and tramadol tablets from the site.

“Skuchies” is a street term commonly used for cocktails made from blackcurrant drinks mixed with narcotics and other psychoactive substances.

Health professionals have warned that abuse of such mixtures can cause severe mental and physical health complications, especially among teenagers and young adults.

NDLEA Expands Anti-Drug Campaigns

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

The outreach campaigns were held in several institutions and communities across Nasarawa, Ekiti, Enugu, Abia, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Kano, and Oyo states.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations.

He praised what he described as a balance between drug supply reduction and public awareness campaigns.

“Their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities,” the NDLEA chairman said while urging officers nationwide to maintain the momentum.

What Happens Next?

The agency has not yet confirmed when the suspects will be formally charged in court.

Under Nigerian law, suspects remain innocent until proven guilty.

Security analysts expect intensified anti-narcotics operations in Lagos and other major transit corridors in the coming months as authorities seek to curb drug trafficking and abuse.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has uncovered a transnational criminal network accused of laundering hundreds of billions of naira from drug trafficking operations across Europe and Nigeria.

The operation, carried out with support from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement agencies in Switzerland, France and Greece, led to the arrest of alleged drug kingpin Amadi Simon in Switzerland and two suspected accomplices in Nigeria.

The suspects, identified as 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi were arrested in Anambra State and Agbor respectively on 28 April, according to the agency.

NDLEA officials say the arrests followed months of investigations into what authorities described as a sophisticated international money laundering operation tied to narcotics trafficking and financial crimes.

Why the case matters

The case is one of the biggest international drug-money investigations publicly announced by Nigerian authorities in recent years.

According to the NDLEA, investigators traced multiple luxury properties, hotel businesses, cryptocurrency wallets and bank accounts allegedly linked to the network.

Among the assets identified were:

Jovi Hotel in GRA Phase 1, Asaba

Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor

Jovi Apartment in Mabushi, Abuja

Authorities say several bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses connected to the syndicate have now been blocked.

Security analysts say the case highlights growing concerns over how organised criminal groups increasingly use cryptocurrencies, shell companies and international financial systems to conceal illicit proceeds.

“Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds.” — Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd)

NDLEA vows tougher crackdown

Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against international narcotics trafficking.

Speaking on the coordinated international operation, he said:

“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide.”

Marwa added that the success of the operation demonstrated the agency’s “zero-tolerance policy” towards crimes that threaten Nigeria’s economy, security and international reputation.

He also praised ongoing cooperation with the US government, saying the US mission in Nigeria had continued to support the agency with intelligence training, tactical operations support and investigative resources.

International cooperation at the centre

The operation reflects growing international collaboration against organised drug trafficking networks operating across Africa and Europe.

Experts say international criminal syndicates often move illicit proceeds through luxury real estate, hospitality businesses, shell firms and digital currencies to avoid detection.

Anti-money laundering specialists have repeatedly warned that weak financial oversight systems in developing economies can make countries vulnerable to criminal financial flows.

The NDLEA says investigations into the wider network are continuing, and more arrests and asset recoveries could follow.

What happens next?

Legal proceedings are expected to begin against the suspects in relevant jurisdictions, while Nigerian authorities continue asset tracing and financial investigations.

The case could also trigger broader scrutiny of suspected money laundering channels involving hospitality businesses and cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 10,000 pills of the highly addictive drug known as “captagon” in Kwara State, alongside multiple arrests and drug recoveries across Nigeria.

The agency says the operation highlights growing attempts by trafficking networks to reintroduce the substance into the country.

Captagon, an amphetamine widely associated with conflict zones in the Middle East, is known for its stimulant effects that reduce fear and fatigue.

What happened in Kwara

NDLEA operatives intercepted the pills on 21 April 2026 during a patrol along Bode Saadu Road.

A 33-year-old suspect, Nasiru Mu’azu, was arrested after a search uncovered 10 packs of captagon amounting to 10,000 pills alongside other controlled drugs.

Days later, officers at the same location stopped another vehicle and found a hidden compartment containing tramadol capsules, injections, and other opioids.

A second suspect, Aminu Isah, 24, was taken into custody.

Cocaine trafficking attempt uncovered

In Oyo State, a separate operation revealed a suspected trafficking route linking Nigeria to North Africa and Europe.

A passenger, Eze Prince Emeka, 33, was arrested after a body scan confirmed he had ingested illicit drugs.

He later excreted 45 wraps of cocaine weighing over one kilogram.

Investigators say the suspect planned to transport the drugs through trans-Saharan routes, with Algeria as a transit point and Europe as a possible destination.

Nationwide seizures intensify

Across Nigeria, NDLEA reported several major seizures:

In Edo State, officers intercepted nearly 1.2 million opioid pills on the Benin-Lagos expressway.

In Cross River, operatives destroyed 20,000kg of cannabis on farmland.

In Ekiti, 466.8kg of cannabis was recovered from a suspect’s residence.

In Bauchi and Lagos, additional cannabis seizures totalling hundreds of kilograms were recorded.

In Niger State, officers seized 394 suspected improvised explosive device (IED) components from a suspect.

Authorities say the IED materials will be transferred to relevant security agencies for further investigation.

“Fuel for violence” – NDLEA chief

Chairman of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the captagon seizure as a major breakthrough.

“We are not just seizing pills; we are disrupting the fuel that powers violence in our communities.”

He warned that traffickers are attempting to revive supply chains that had been largely dormant since a major seizure at Apapa port five years ago.

“Our operatives remain on high alert across all frontiers to ensure this illicit trade finds no foothold.”

Why it matters

Security analysts say the reappearance of captagon is significant because of its links to armed groups.

The drug has reportedly been used in conflict zones to sustain fighters, raising concerns about its potential connection to insecurity if it spreads locally.

The scale of opioid and cannabis seizures also reflects the growing challenge of drug abuse in Nigeria, particularly among young people.

War Against Drug Abuse campaign

The NDLEA says it is combining enforcement with prevention through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

Recent awareness programmes were held in schools and communities across Niger, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, and Nasarawa states.

Officials say the approach is aimed at reducing both supply and demand.

What’s next

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with more arrests likely as they track supply chains and networks behind the seizures.

The NDLEA has also pledged to strengthen border surveillance and intelligence operations to prevent future trafficking attempts.