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  • NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Fake Plantains, Fuel Tanks, Arrests UK-Based Woman

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered multiple drug trafficking operations across Nigeria, arresting several suspects, including a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman caught with cocaine disguised as fresh plantains at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

    The agency said the coordinated operations exposed increasingly sophisticated methods used by traffickers to conceal illicit drugs while investigations into the syndicates continue.

    Cocaine disguised as plantains

    NDLEA operatives arrested Mrs. Mary Yetunde Barek on Sunday, June 28, at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as she attempted to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.

    A search of her luggage uncovered 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed in 31 large wraps carefully moulded to resemble fresh hands of plantains. The fake plantains were mixed with other food items to avoid suspicion.

    According to the agency, Barek admitted ownership of the drugs during interrogation.

    PhD student linked to Malaysia-bound syndicate

    In a separate operation in Anambra State, NDLEA officers intercepted 5.8 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside cartons of Orijin bitters.

    The operation led to the arrest of 45-year-old Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, a PhD student allegedly linked to a drug trafficking syndicate with connections to Malaysia.

    Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network.

    Drugs concealed in fuel tanks

    In Taraba State, NDLEA operatives also intercepted 43,980 tramadol capsules hidden inside specially modified fuel tanks during a road operation.

    The agency disclosed that other raids conducted across different states resulted in the seizure of cannabis, methamphetamine and other prohibited substances.

    NDLEA vows sustained crackdown

    NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the operations reflect the agency’s determination to dismantle both local and international drug trafficking networks.

    He noted that traffickers are adopting more sophisticated concealment methods, but assured Nigerians that the agency remains committed to strengthening surveillance, disrupting criminal networks and raising public awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs.

    The NDLEA said investigations into all the cases are continuing as efforts intensify to identify and prosecute everyone connected to the drug syndicates.

  • Top 10 News Updates You Should Know Today

    1. Dangote Refinery Imports First Crude Cargoes from UAE

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery has purchased two crude oil cargoes from the United Arab Emirates, marking its first supply from the Middle East as it expands crude sourcing beyond Nigeria. The development follows improved shipping conditions in the Gulf region and forms part of the refinery’s strategy to secure stable feedstock for its 650,000 barrels-per-day facility.

    The refinery plans to process a wider mix of crude grades while reducing dependence on domestic supplies, which have faced production and allocation challenges. Industry analysts say the move strengthens operational stability and supports Nigeria’s drive toward energy security as the company targets further expansion over the coming years.

    2. Tobi Amusan Wins Paris Diamond League Title

    World record holder Tobi Amusan claimed victory in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the Paris Diamond League, equalling her season’s best time of 12.28 seconds. She overtook early leader Nadine Visser before finishing ahead of American athletes Grace Stark and Alaysha Johnson.

    The victory is Amusan’s second Diamond League win of the season following her triumph in Rabat. Her consistent performances continue to boost Nigeria’s profile in global athletics as preparations intensify for the Diamond League final and the Commonwealth Games.

    3. State Police Bill Moves to State Assemblies

    The National Assembly has forwarded the proposed State Police Bill to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration, bringing Nigeria closer to one of its most significant security reforms in decades. The proposal seeks to establish state-controlled police services alongside the existing federal structure.

    Supporters argue that decentralised policing will improve responses to kidnapping, banditry and other security threats, while critics continue to raise concerns over funding and possible political interference. The outcome of deliberations across the states will determine the next stage of the constitutional amendment process.

    4. Police Arrest 10 Suspects Over Killing of Benue MACBAN Chairman

    Benue State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects over the killing of the state’s Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The arrests followed intelligence-led operations after the victims were attacked while returning from a security meeting in Otukpo.

    The incident drew condemnation from both the Federal Government and Governor Hyacinth Alia, who called for justice and calm. Investigators say efforts are continuing to identify other individuals connected to the attack.

    5. NDLEA Seizes N12.4bn Cannabis at Lagos Port

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted cannabis valued at about N12.4 billion at Lagos Port while dismantling a drug trafficking syndicate linked to passenger shipments. The operation is one of the agency’s biggest seizures in recent months.

    Officials said the action forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt narcotics networks operating through Nigeria’s maritime routes. Investigations are continuing as authorities work to identify additional members of the syndicate.

    6. Nigeria Records 24 Universities in 2026 Global Rankings

    Twenty-four Nigerian universities have featured in the latest global university rankings, giving the country the highest representation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The rankings reflect improvements in research output, academic performance and institutional development.

    Education stakeholders say the achievement could strengthen international partnerships and attract more research opportunities. The Federal Government also described the rankings as encouraging for Nigeria’s higher education sector.

    7. Court Decision Creates Fresh Uncertainty for NDC Registration

    A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment directing INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a political party. The ruling restores the previous position while the substantive case continues.

    Leaders associated with the proposed party have insisted the platform has not been deregistered and have announced plans to challenge the decision. The development has renewed discussions over political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    8. DSS Releases Wrongfully Detained Herder, Awards N3 Million Compensation

    The Department of State Services has released a herder who spent two years in detention over alleged Boko Haram links after an internal review cleared him of wrongdoing. The agency also approved N3 million as compensation.

    The decision has attracted attention from human rights advocates, who say it highlights the importance of accountability in security operations. Observers believe the move could help strengthen public confidence in the justice process.

    9. Ogun Police Arrest Seven Suspected ‘One-Chance’ Robbers

    Ogun State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of a robbery gang linked to ‘one-chance’ operations, armed robbery and cult-related activities. Security operatives also recovered stolen vehicles during the operation.

    Police said investigations are continuing to identify additional suspects and recover more stolen property. Residents have welcomed the arrests amid growing concerns over highway robberies and commuter safety.

    10. Nigerian Athletes Continue Global Success as Sports Momentum Grows

    Nigeria’s sporting profile continues to rise following another impressive weekend on the international stage, highlighted by Tobi Amusan’s Diamond League victory and strong performances by Nigerian athletes across several competitions.

    Sports analysts say the recent successes demonstrate the country’s growing depth in athletics and other disciplines. Many have called for increased investment in grassroots development to sustain Nigeria’s international competitiveness.

     

  • NDLEA Arrests Mexican Drug Expert, Dismantles Major Meth Lab Hidden in Oyo Forest

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine production laboratory concealed inside a forest in Oyo State and arrested five suspects, including a Mexican national allegedly recruited to oversee drug production.

    The facility, located in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, was uncovered during a raid carried out by NDLEA operatives as part of efforts to combat the growing threat of synthetic drug manufacturing in Nigeria.

    Mexican National Among Suspects Arrested

    NDLEA said the operation led to the arrest of Jose Villa Ochoa, a 56-year-old Mexican national described as a methamphetamine production specialist.

    Four Nigerians were also arrested during the raid. They were identified as Maxwell Uche Nevoh, Olatunji Yusuf, Bankole Akeem Owolabi and Ganiu Monsiu.

    According to the agency, the suspects are believed to be members of a transnational drug trafficking network operating between Nigeria and foreign partners.

    Industrial-Scale Drug Facility Uncovered

    The agency described the forest laboratory as a sophisticated operation equipped with industrial-grade machinery and large quantities of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production.

    Items recovered from the site included reactor pots, distillation units, mixers, condensers and several containers holding chemical substances.

    Investigators also discovered large quantities of phenylacetic acid, sulphuric acid, caustic soda and other materials commonly used in the manufacture of synthetic drugs.

    NDLEA Raises Concern Over Foreign Cartels

    Speaking on the operation, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the discovery highlighted attempts by international drug cartels to establish production bases in Nigeria.

    The agency noted that the Oyo forest laboratory was one of the largest clandestine methamphetamine facilities uncovered in recent years.

    Officials warned that Nigeria must not become a hub for synthetic drug production and trafficking.

    Second Major Discovery in Southwest

    The raid comes weeks after another large methamphetamine laboratory linked to foreign suspects was dismantled in Ogun State.

    NDLEA said the two discoveries indicate a worrying trend of criminal groups moving drug production facilities into remote forest locations to avoid detection.

    The agency pledged to intensify surveillance and intelligence operations across the country to disrupt similar networks.

    Investigation Ongoing

    NDLEA said investigations are continuing to identify other members of the syndicate and uncover possible local and international connections.

    The suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.

     

  • NDLEA Arrests 63-Year-Old Chinese Woman Over ₦2.1bn Drug Shipment At Lagos Airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 63-year-old Chinese national, Ting Hung Kiong, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 31 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud into Nigeria through the Lagos airport.

    The suspect, who reportedly holds Malaysian citizenship, was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport after arriving on an Emirates flight from Thailand through Dubai.

    Drugs Hidden Inside Travel Boxes

    According to the agency, the suspect arrived with two large travel boxes containing the synthetic strain of cannabis.

    Investigators said the woman claimed she worked as a caregiver in Malaysia and disclosed that her daughter sponsored her trip to Thailand before the drugs were allegedly handed over to her for delivery in Nigeria.

    NDLEA Intercepts ₦2.19bn Shipment

    In another operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 1,825,710 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg valued at about ₦2.19 billion at the Lagos airport cargo shed.

    The shipment reportedly arrived from India through Emirates Cargo and was later handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service after monitoring operations.

    Cocaine, Tramadol Recovered In Airports

    At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, operatives arrested a suspect identified as Onyeka Emeka after he allegedly excreted 185.36 grammes of cocaine.

    Authorities said he arrived from Sierra Leone through Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

    In Abuja, NDLEA officers also arrested 29-year-old Babatunde Afekhide at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to travel to Italy.

    The agency said 10,280 pills of Tramadol and Tapentadol were discovered hidden inside his luggage.

    More Drug Busts Across Nigeria

    The anti-drug agency further disclosed that parcels containing MDMA, Tramadol and other substances concealed inside soap, body cream and bicycle luggage carriers were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos.

    In Edo State, operatives reportedly recovered 489kg of skunk cannabis and cannabis seeds during a raid in Owan East Local Government Area.

    Another raid in Ekiti State led to the seizure of over 1,116kg of skunk and the arrest of a suspect identified as Ogundana Adebayo Julius.

  • NDLEA Dismantles Nigerian–Mexican Meth Cartel, Recovers ₦480 Billion Drugs in Ogun Forest Lab

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled a major transnational methamphetamine production syndicate involving Nigerian and Mexican nationals in Ogun State.

    The operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects, including three Mexican drug “chemists” and the alleged Nigerian kingpin of the cartel.

    Forest meth lab uncovered in Ogun

    According to NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the clandestine laboratory was discovered inside Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The agency said the site was being used for large-scale production of methamphetamine disguised as a farm settlement.

    ₦480 billion worth of drugs recovered

    Marwa disclosed that operatives recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of chemical substances and finished meth products from the lab.

    He said the seized drugs have an estimated street value of about ₦480 billion in the international market.

    “The network did not just traffic drugs; they were actively manufacturing industrial-scale quantities of highly lethal illicit substances right on our soil,” Marwa said.

    10 suspects arrested, including Mexicans

    Those arrested include the alleged cartel leader, Anochili Innocent, alongside six Nigerian collaborators and three Mexican nationals reportedly brought in as technical experts.

    The Mexican suspects were identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos.

    Other Nigerian suspects include Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, and Kingsley Orike Omonughwa.

    Lagos luxury estate linked to cartel boss

    NDLEA operatives also reportedly stormed properties linked to the kingpin in Lagos, including a luxury residence in Lakowe, Lekki.

    The agency said international passports and mobile phones of the Mexican suspects were recovered from the suspect’s residence, linking him directly to their operations.

    Coordinated intelligence operation

    Marwa said the raid was executed by the agency’s Special Operations Unit after months of intelligence gathering.

    He added that simultaneous operations were carried out across Ogun and Lagos States within 48 hours.

    NDLEA warns drug cartels

    The NDLEA boss warned drug traffickers that Nigeria remains hostile territory for illicit drug production and distribution.

    He also urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities, including unusual chemical smells or movements in rural communities.

    “This war is for the soul of our nation, and we will not back down until we achieve a drug-free Nigeria,” he said.

  • NDLEA Uncovers Underground Drug Tunnels, Arrests 19 Suspects In Kano

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered and dismantled underground tunnels and caves allegedly used for illicit drug trade and storage in Kano State.

    The agency disclosed that 19 suspects were arrested during the operation, while various quantities of illicit substances were recovered from the hidden structures.

    NDLEA Reveals Underground Drug Network

    The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

    According to him, the tunnels and caves were discovered in the Rimin Kebe area of Kano during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out by officers of the Kano Strategic Command.

    Babafemi described the underground structures as a concealed criminal network allegedly used for drug consumption, storage and distribution.

    “These videos and pictures capture the moment NDLEA officers uncovered and dismantled a network of caves and tunnels used by criminal elements for illicit drug use, trade and storage,” he said.

    Operation ‘Sharar Mafaka’

    The anti-drug agency disclosed that the operation was code-named “Operation Sharar Mafaka.”

    According to the statement, officers acted on intelligence and surveillance before storming the area and dismantling the underground structures.

    Babafemi praised the officers involved in the operation, describing the discovery as unusual and alarming.

    “It’s indeed a different life underneath the earth,” he added.

    Suspects In Custody

    Authorities confirmed that the 19 suspects arrested during the raid are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.

    The NDLEA also stated that the recovered substances have been taken for forensic analysis as investigations continue into the full extent of the alleged drug network and possible collaborators.

    The agency said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking activities and dismantle hidden drug hubs across Nigeria.

  • NDLEA Intercepts ₦10.4bn Canadian Loud Hidden Inside Vehicles At Lagos Port

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 4,173.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, worth over ₦10.4 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.

    The agency disclosed that the illicit consignment was uncovered after months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and international collaboration involving multiple security agencies.

    Shipment traced from Canada to Lagos

    According to the NDLEA, the container left Toronto, Canada, on March 28 before being moved by rail to Montreal.

    The shipment was later loaded onto a vessel identified as Jakarta Express Voyage, which arrived at Tanger Med Port in Morocco on April 15 before being transferred to another vessel, Osaka Voyage, that eventually arrived in Lagos on May 9, 2026.

    The agency said the container had been under close monitoring throughout the journey.

    Drugs hidden inside vehicles

    NDLEA revealed that the Canadian Loud was professionally concealed inside two vehicles packed within the shipping container.

    The illicit substances were reportedly hidden inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 car.

    The seizure was eventually carried out on Tuesday, May 12, during a joint examination involving NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.

    International agencies assisted operation

    The anti-drug agency said the operation was executed in collaboration with international partners, including the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

    Speaking during the handover of the exhibits in Lagos, NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo ArchieAbia, said the success of the operation showed the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking.

    Fresh seizure comes days after Lekki raid

    The latest interception comes barely days after NDLEA operatives uncovered another large stash of Canadian Loud at a mansion in Lekki, Lagos.

    During that operation, the agency recovered 4,000 parcels of the psychoactive substance weighing 2,326 kilograms, valued at over ₦5.8 billion.