NDLEA arrests Lagos, Italy-based businessmen for drugs, seizes shipments

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking networks with a series of major arrests across multiple states and international routes. Among those apprehended are a Lekki-based businessman and an Italy-bound logistics agent, both caught in separate drug smuggling operations.

In Lagos, operatives of the NDLEA arrested Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, the proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, in connection with a shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, from the United States to Nigeria.

A statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday confirmed that the 43-year-old suspect was apprehended at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, on March 24, 2025, while awaiting delivery of his illicit consignment. His arrest followed the seizure of seven large cartons containing the drugs at a logistics company in Lagos on March 12.

Following his arrest, a search of his Lekki residence led to the recovery of 94 grams of the same psychoactive substance, a cannabis crusher, and other drug paraphernalia, bringing the total weight of drugs seized from him to 32.24 kilograms. During interrogation, Ebenezer allegedly confessed to engaging in drug trafficking since 2017.

Italy-Bound Trafficker Caught at Lagos Airport.

In a separate operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, NDLEA officers intercepted Omoruyi Terry, a businessman attempting to smuggle 1,400 pills of Tramadol (225mg), weighing 800 grams, to Italy.

Omoruyi was stopped at the screening point of Terminal 2 while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight. Investigations revealed that he frequently travels to Italy and operates as a logistics agent.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Katsina arrested four suspects—Baraka Abubakar, Haruna Alitine, Muhammad Babangida, and Hamisu Lawal—during an intelligence-led raid on Godai village in Daura Local Government Area. The operation resulted in the seizure of 684 blocks of compressed skunk, weighing 423 kilograms, and 86,000 diazepam tablets. Three of the suspects were caught repackaging the drugs, while Baraka was found with large quantities of skunk in her house.

In Edo State, NDLEA teams destroyed 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa in multiple forest operations between March 24 and 28. At least four plantations were identified and set ablaze in Uhen Forest (Ovia North East LGA), Sobe (Owan West LGA), and Amahor Forest (Igueben LGA). An additional 158 kilograms of processed cannabis were recovered for further investigation.

Similarly, in Niger State, officers patrolling the Mokwa-Jebba Road intercepted a black Toyota Corolla with registration number SLM 137 SV. The vehicle, occupied by Paul Christopher and Lucky Star Anumie, was found to contain 179 blocks of compressed skunk (77.6 kilograms) concealed in a false compartment. Additionally, 50 kilograms of skunk were recovered from a house belonging to a suspect, Isa Iliya, in Wawa village, Borgu Local Government Area.

Additional crackdowns led to the recovery of 108.5 kilograms of skunk from lock-up shops in Aria New Market, Enugu, on March 25, and 25 kilograms from a suspect, Abdulrazak Saka, in Kilako, Ilorin, on March 24. In Oyo State, another suspect, Suli Saheed, was arrested in Olomi Academy, Ibadan, with 2.5 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men of the agency for their diligence.

“Our operational successes, combined with our drug supply reduction and demand reduction strategies, are yielding results. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of a drug-free society. May the spirit of obedience and sacrifice that defines this special day guide and strengthen us. May Allah continue to bless and guide us towards a safer and healthier society for all,” Marwa stated.

As part of its broader anti-drug initiatives, the NDLEA is also intensifying its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools, places of worship, workplaces, and communities nationwide.