Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled multiple drug trafficking networks, arresting key suspects involved in illicit drug shipments to Nigeria and Europe. Among those apprehended is Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, a Lekki-based businessman and owner of Damillionz Takeout, who was caught in connection with a shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, from the United States.

Ebenezer, 43, was arrested at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, on March 24, 2025, while awaiting the delivery of his latest consignment. NDLEA operatives had earlier seized his cargo—hidden in seven large cartons—at a logistics company in Lagos on March 12. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered 94 grams of the same drug, a cannabis crusher, and other drug paraphernalia, bringing the total seized from him to 32.24 kilograms. He later confessed to engaging in the drug trade since 2017.

In another operation, NDLEA officers intercepted Omoruyi Terry, an Italy-based businessman, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, as he attempted to smuggle 1,400 pills of Tramadol 225mg (800 grams) to Italy via a Qatar Airways flight. Investigations revealed he frequently travels between Nigeria and Italy as a logistics agent.

In Katsina State, NDLEA operatives raided a drug repackaging facility in Godai village, Daura Local Government Area (LGA), arresting four suspects: Baraka Abubakar (40), Haruna Alitine (23), Muhammad Babangida (20), and Hamisu Lawal. During the raid, 684 blocks of compressed cannabis (423kg) and 86,000 diazepam pills were confiscated. While three suspects were caught repackaging the pills, Abubakar, a female suspect, was found storing large quantities of cannabis in her house.

Additionally, NDLEA operatives destroyed 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa across multiple locations in Edo State between March 24 and March 28, 2025. The operations targeted four major plantations in Uhen Forest (Ovia North East LGA), Sobe (Owan West LGA), and Amahor Forest (Igueben LGA). Another 158kg of cannabis was evacuated for further investigation and prosecution.

In Niger State, NDLEA intercepted a black Toyota Corolla with 179 blocks of compressed cannabis (77.6kg) concealed in a false compartment along Mokwa-Jebba Road. Two suspects, Paul Christopher (46) and Lucky Star Anumie, were arrested. A separate operation in Wawa village, Borgu LGA, led to the seizure of 50kg of cannabis from a suspect, Isa Iliya, who remains at large. In Enugu State, 108.5kg of cannabis was recovered from lockup shops at Aria New Market in Enugu metropolis on March 25. In Kwara State, NDLEA operatives seized 25kg of cannabis from Abdulrazak Saka at Kilako Area, Ilorin, on March 24. In Oyo State, Suli Saheed (50) was arrested with 2.5kg of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado in the Olomi Academy area of Ibadan.

Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns in schools, workplaces, and communities. Recent outreach programs were conducted at Blessed Martins International School (Ebonyi), Model Ideal College (Enugu), Oto-Awori Senior Secondary School (Lagos), and Command Secondary School (Adamawa), among others.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s officers for their relentless operations across the country. He emphasized the balanced approach between drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts, ensuring a safer society. Extending Eid-El-Fitr greetings to NDLEA personnel, stakeholders, and Nigerians, he urged continued commitment to the fight against drug abuse.

"May the spirit of obedience and sacrifice that defines this special day guide and strengthen us in our pursuit of a drug-free society. May Allah continue to bless and guide us as we work towards a safer and healthier nation," Marwa stated.