NDLEA Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown: Seizes Drugs and Arrests Smugglers at Key Transit Points
January 25, 2026
NDLEA reports a wave of seizures nationwide, including 3,990 pills of tapentadol and tramadol hidden in food items at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport, a boat-based seizure of 1,848 kilograms of Ghana Loud cannabis off Jakande Beach in Lagos, and 140 explosive-packed bags seized on the Kaduna–Zaria highway with two suspects arrested.
Additional seizures across states include tramadol, skunk, pentazocine injections, cannabis seeds, and codeine syrup, underscoring a broad crackdown on illicit drugs and trafficking networks.
In Maiduguri, Borno State, authorities intercepted 179,590 pills of tramadol and diazepam concealed in sacks of charcoal and animal feeds, leading to the arrest of owner Rabiu Imam (32).
NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa commended officers and urged continued professionalism to sustain drug supply and demand reduction efforts.
The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) program continues nationwide with sensitization efforts in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities as part of education and outreach.
NDLEA emphasized ongoing nationwide education and sensitization, including lectures in multiple states and institutions to curb drug supply and demand.
WADA activities span Taraba, Osun, Imo, Benue, Katsina, and other states, targeting students, staff, worship centers, and communities.
Officials describe these actions as part of sustained efforts to dismantle trafficking networks, disrupt cross-border smuggling, and target importation routes and local traffickers with intensified, intelligence-driven operations.
NDLEA spokesperson highlighted ongoing anti-drug operations at major airports, seaports, and on roads as part of a broad crackdown on narcotics and illicit materials.
In Niger State, a female suspect linked to the Kwara seizure of 78,500 tramadol pills was identified, with her husband previously remanded for the same offense.
January 22 intelligence-led raids in Kwangila, Zaria LGA, Kaduna State resulted in the arrest of Fatima Ibrahim (42) and Adejimoh Ismaila (44) and the seizure of 120 kilograms of skunk.
At Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a Brazilian national, Ingrid Benevides (30), was arrested with 30.09 kilograms of heroin concealed in factory-sealed coffee packs.
Summary based on 6 sources
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Sources

Vanguard News • Jan 25, 2026
NDLEA intercepts Brazilian lady with N3b heroin at Abuja airport
The Nation Newspaper • Jan 25, 2026
NDLEA intercepts Brazilian lady with N3b heroin in coffee packs at Abuja airport
Channels Television • Jan 25, 2026
NDLEA Arrests Brazilian In ‘Single Largest Heroin Seizure’ At Abuja Airport
Daily Post Nigeria • Jan 25, 2026
NDLEA arrests Brazilian lady with N3bn heroin in coffee packs at Abuja airport