NDLEA Seizes Cocaine and Tramadol Hidden in Car Mirrors at Lagos Airport, Arrests Multiple Suspects
Story: Written by SpringnewsNG Media Limited August 4,2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted large consignments of cocaine and tramadol 225mg concealed in 71 vehicle side mirrors at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the shipment, which was headed to Libreville, Gabon, was discovered at the airport’s export shed during routine surveillance. The operation led to the arrest of at least three suspects linked to the cargo.
Major Drug Interception at MMIA
The first batch of the intercepted consignment, seized on Saturday, July 19, 2025, included 57,420 tramadol pills and 57 cocaine pellets weighing 1.60kg. NDLEA officers arrested cargo agent Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict, which led to the subsequent arrest of Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah on Sunday, July 20.
A follow-up search at Uzochukwu’s residence yielded 11 additional cocaine parcels weighing 1kg, hidden in vehicle mirrors prepared for export. This brought the total seizure to 68 cocaine parcels weighing 2.60kg.
In a related operation, NDLEA officers arrested a businesswoman, Mrs. Nwafor Roseann Nneka, at her shop in Ojo’s Trade Fair Complex. She was linked to a shipment of 100 grams of cocaine and 300 grams of phenacetine, a drug-cutting agent, concealed in ladies’ lipsticks bound for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Investigators revealed she operated the illicit business with her husband, Remigus Nwafor, who is currently on the run.
“In her statement, Mrs. Nwafor admitted she purchased the lipsticks for concealment, while her husband handled the packaging,” Babafemi said.
Nationwide Anti-Drug Operations
The NDLEA also reported multiple arrests and seizures across Nigeria during the week-long operations:
- Abuja (FCT): Three dispatch riders – Sabo Sule (24), Samuel Nnamdi (28), and Idris Jibrin (28) – were arrested with 149.8g of Canadian Loud cannabis.
- Abaji-Gwagwalada, FCT: Aliyu Abubakar (25) and Adekunle Agbabiaka (30) caught with 91.1kg of skunk.
- Lagos: Joseph Michael nabbed with 3.3kg of Colorado in Mushin; Ibrahim Sulaiman caught with 16.5L of skuchies in Iwaya, Yaba.
- Benue: Hussein Yusuf (37) arrested with 100,000 tramadol pills along Vandeikya-Ogoja road.
- Edo: Warehouse raid in Ekpoma led to the arrest of William Alabi (44) and seizure of 233.5kg skunk.
- Borno: Umar Aminu (38) intercepted with 160 tramadol pills hidden in footwear at MBIAM Airport, Maiduguri.
- Ogun: Yahaya Aminat Seyi caught with 7,218 opioid pills at Oja Odan.
- Oyo: Oladeji Saka (54) arrested with 77.5kg skunk in Ibadan.
- Delta: Benson Izah (40) held with 12.5kg skunk, 1kg tramadol, and 14.4L codeine in Abraka.
- Bayelsa: Chief Emeka Opara (52) and Onuoha Chidinma (25) caught with 41,705 tramadol capsules.
- Kano: Bashir Gambo (30) apprehended with 61kg skunk in Tudun Wada LGA.
- Osun: Kabiru Ayinde (40) and Roqeeb Adekanmbi (25) arrested with 90kg skunk and 36.3g methamphetamine in Iwo town.
NDLEA Intensifies WADA Sensitization
Alongside arrests, NDLEA commands nationwide intensified War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy in schools, transport hubs, workplaces, and worship centers. Visits included:
- Ciroma Ibrahim Islamiyya School, Potiskum, Yobe
- Sultan Maccido Institute, Wamakko, Sokoto
- Borno Express Transport Services, Maiduguri
- Seventh Day Adventist Church, Abakpa Nike, Enugu
- Advocacy visit to the Oluwo of Iwo land, Osun State
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks while increasing nationwide drug abuse awareness.
