The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been relentless in its mission to eradicate the illegal drug trade in Nigeria. In the past 34 months alone, the agency has successfully apprehended 42 drug barons, as well as one drug baroness.
The most recent arrest was that of Nwaoha Anayo, a billionaire trader based in Idumota. Anayo was apprehended in the Aguda area of Surulere, with a staggering haul of 12,700,000 pills of tramadol seized from him on October 31.
Prior to this arrest, the NDLEA conducted intelligence-led operations across the country, resulting in the capture of two heads of transnational criminal organizations. These criminals had amassed a fortune from their involvement in the illicit drug trade, and the agency was able to seize their assets and substantial amounts of illicit drugs.
In addition to these operations, the NDLEA intercepted consignments of cocaine and heroin at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The drugs were hidden in the bodies of traffickers who were attempting to transport them to Paris, France, and Doha, Qatar.
At the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, the NDLEA successfully apprehended Hakeem Babatunde Salami, the leader of the “Tajudeen Babatunde Abioye Transnational Criminal Organization.” This drug cartel was involved in the illegal trade of various narcotics, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ephedrine, between Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Europe.
Another significant arrest was that of Okafor Ikechukwu Williams, also known as “Jantu,” and his wife, Okafor Ifeyinwa Grace. This couple was taken into custody after NDLEA operatives raided their hideout in Lagos, where they discovered 27.566 kilograms of methamphetamine ready for export to Europe and Asia.
These arrests contribute to the NDLEA’s overall efforts in combating drug-related crimes in Nigeria. Over the past 42 months, the agency has arrested a staggering 32,000 drug offenders, with approximately 5,147 of them being prosecuted and convicted. During this period, the NDLEA has seized over seven million kilograms of assorted drugs and destroyed over 852.142 hectares of cannabis farms. The agency has also dismantled three clandestine methamphetamine laboratories.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa, emphasized the importance of both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction in combating the drug problem in Nigeria. In addition to the agency’s actions against drug suppliers, significant investments have been made in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The NDLEA has acquired more rehabilitation facilities and obtained approval for the construction of regional model rehabs. Private treatment facilities are also working in collaboration with the agency, and a toll-free call center has been established to provide teletherapy services.
To raise awareness and educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse, the NDLEA has conducted sensitization lectures and campaigns in schools, communities, and worship places across the country. TV commercials and radio jingles in various languages have been produced to disseminate information about drugs.
Despite these efforts, there are still challenges to be overcome. Stigmatization and discrimination against drug-dependent individuals hinder their recovery and reintegration into society. The theme for this year’s campaign is addressing this issue and promoting a drug-free society that supports and empowers those seeking treatment.
International cooperation is also crucial in dismantling drug trafficking networks. The UNODC Country Representative, Oliver Stolpe, emphasized the need for better preparation among primary healthcare providers to address basic drug counseling needs and effectively support individuals with drug use disorders.
Nigeria’s fight against drugs extends beyond its borders, with the arrest of foreign nationals attempting to export and import illicit drugs. The NDLEA foiled the attempt of a South African national to export methamphetamine through the Abuja airport. A Chadian national was also apprehended with a large quantity of Skunk, a highly potent strain of cannabis, in Borno state. Additionally, a South American man from Suriname was arrested at the Port Harcourt International Airport for smuggling cocaine into Nigeria.
The NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to combating the drug problem is evident in its numerous arrests and seizures. By targeting drug barons and dismantling criminal organizations, the agency continues to disrupt the illegal drug trade in Nigeria. With a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, the NDLEA aims to create a drug-free society that supports and empowers individuals on the path to recovery.
