Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has thwarted an attempt by a 26-year-old nursing student, Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, to smuggle cocaine to India. Esther, a 200-level student at Noida International University, Uttar Pradesh, India, was apprehended at the Royal Park Hotel, Sabon Gari, Kano, on Thursday, January 16, 2025. She had been scheduled to fly to India on Qatar Airways the next day from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The arrest followed the interception of 76 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.34 kilograms concealed in an audio speaker by 31-year-old Cosmas Okorie, who was en route to deliver the consignment to Esther. Upon interrogation, Esther revealed that a drug cartel in India had recruited her, promising $5,000 for the successful delivery of the drugs.

NDLEA operatives along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja highway arrested four suspects traveling to Borno, Kano, and Abuja with over 38,000 tramadol pills concealed in speakers and clothing.

In Lagos, a raid in Ojodu-Berger on January 14 led to the arrest of 59-year-old Nwokedi Emeka Jonas and the recovery of 10 parcels of synthetic cannabis, branded with names such as "Dead Man" and "Gelato Cake." On January 15, three suspects were arrested in Igando with 1,610kg of skunk and 6kg of tramadol. A delivery van and other vehicles were also seized. A January 18 raid in Lekki uncovered 28kg of synthetic cannabis and resulted in two arrests. Other Lagos operations included the seizure of codeine syrup, tramadol, methamphetamine, and N623,650 in cash.

In Kano State, two suspects were arrested in Dawanau with 7.6kg of skunk and psychoactive substances. Another operation on Zaria Road led to the seizure of 49.8kg of skunk.

In Kwara, NDLEA apprehended three suspects with 65.5kg of cannabis and 390 Molly tablets. In Taraba, a suspect was caught with 25,000 tramadol pills. Raids across Abuja yielded various drugs, including tramadol and methamphetamine, and resulted in 14 arrests.

The NDLEA has intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, conducting sensitization programs in schools, workplaces, and communities nationwide. Outreach efforts were carried out in states such as Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River, and Katsina, with notable advocacy visits, including one to Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended officers for their diligence, urging them to maintain their commitment to reducing drug supply and demand across Nigeria.