The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has seized more than 1.3 million tablets and capsules of tramadol and other opioids, alongside about 6,000kg of cannabis, in a series of operations across several states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The agency said the seizures had a combined street value of more than N3.4bn.
Among the major interceptions was 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis weighing 603.75kg and estimated at N1.81bn. The consignment was intercepted at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos.
The NDLEA disclosed the seizures in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
Babafemi said the Canadian Loud shipment arrived from Montreal, Canada, on September 12 and was placed under surveillance after the agency received intelligence about it.
According to him, the container was subjected to a joint physical examination involving NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies on Wednesday, September 16.
“The search uncovered 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud concealed inside 31 black jumbo bags loaded in two Toyota Sienna vehicles within the 40-foot container,” the statement added.
ALSO READ
- NDLEA seizes 1.3m opioid pills, 6,000kg cannabis worth N3.4bn
- NDPC warns Nigerians against fake traffic offence messages
- Police arrest suspected drug dealer in Ibadan
In Delta State, operatives arrested a 49-year-old man, Innocent Ekpe, who the agency alleged had been impersonating a senior police officer to avoid scrutiny at checkpoints while transporting illicit drugs.
Babafemi said Ekpe was arrested on Wednesday, September 16, along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba with 292.48kg of skunk concealed inside his silver Toyota Sienna bus.
He said preliminary investigation showed that Ekpe allegedly used the identity of Godwin Emeka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and carried a forged police identification card.
“The 49-year-old fake police officer Innocent Ekpe was arrested on Wednesday 16th September 2026 by NDLEA operatives along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba, Delta State, with 292.48 kilograms of skunk hidden in his silver Toyota Sienna bus.
“Investigation established that Ekpe had long paraded himself as Godwin Emeka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, using a forged ID card to escape scrutiny at checkpoints while transporting illicit consignments. An accomplice, 39-year-old Nduka Joseph, was arrested along with him,” he said.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
In Edo State, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence raided an auto-repair workshop on Agbor Road in Benin City, where they arrested 45-year-old Matthew Ossai.
The agency said 48kg of Canadian Loud and 152g of methamphetamine were recovered from the workshop, which it alleged was being used to store illicit drugs.
In Niger State, three suspects identified as Bashir Usman, 20; Abubakar Nuhu, 18; and Abdulrahman Abdulwahab, 18, were arrested along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway at Chachi in Tafa Local Government Area.
Babafemi said the suspects were allegedly found with two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, a magazine, a locally made pistol with a magazine and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition concealed in a black travel bag.
Also, two suspects, Aminu Isyaku, 23, and Jamilu Habibu, 25, were arrested on Friday along the Abaji-Abuja Highway.
According to Babafemi, the suspects were transporting more than 1.1 million assorted tramadol tablets and capsules, codeine syrup, methamphetamine and Exol tablets from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
The drugs were allegedly concealed in eight sacks.
In Lagos, operatives recovered 48,900 pills of tramadol 225mg from Onyeka Ofor, who was arrested at his residence in Aguda, Surulere.
Another suspect, Luke Ugokwe, was arrested after seven cartons of cannabis weighing 59kg were intercepted at a logistics company.
Babafemi also disclosed that NDLEA operatives arrested 43-year-old Ibrahim Hudu at Apongbo, Lagos, where 998.38kg of nitrous oxide gas was recovered.
In Gombe State, 154,480 capsules of tramadol were seized from two suspects, Sabi’u Umar, 27, and Hassana Muhammad, 19. The suspects were arrested at Barunde and Gombe Main Market respectively.
In Imo State, NDLEA operatives arrested 25-year-old Ifesinachi Godwin along the Owerri-Onitsha Road with 43.85kg of skunk.
Meanwhile, four suspects were arrested in Ondo State during a raid on a cannabis plantation in Ita-Ogbolu Forest.
The operation also led to the destruction of a cannabis farm covering two hectares, with the agency estimating the crop at 5,000kg.
📢 Stay Updated — Join Our WhatsApp Channel
💬 Be Part of Our WhatsApp Community
Join our WhatsApp Channel for curated updates, breaking stories, and exclusive insights from our newsroom.
📲 Join 👉 NRTC WhatsApp Channel
The suspects were identified as Blessing Effiong, Saviour Peter, David Friday Sunday and Ability Peter Sunday.
The NDLEA said 48kg of dry and fresh cannabis was recovered from the farm and would be used as evidence in the prosecution of the suspects.
Commending the affected commands, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), urged the agency’s personnel to maintain intelligence-driven operations against illicit drugs.
Marwa also called for the continuation of what he described as a balanced approach to drug control efforts across the country.
