Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted significant consignments of cocaine and “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis concealed in food flasks and snack packs at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the agency’s recent successes also include the destruction of over 17,000kg of skunk in forest raids across Edo and Cross River states, alongside major recoveries in Kaduna and Delta.
Babafemi noted that on Thursday, April 9, 2026, operatives at the export shed of the Lagos airport intercepted 12 large parcels of cocaine.
The illicit substance, weighing 2.80 kilograms, was hidden in the false bottoms of food flasks destined for the United Kingdom via a Virgin Atlantic flight.
The spokesperson disclosed that two cargo agents, Ama Obinna Ufeim and Ogabi Monday Akorede, were arrested on the spot.
A subsequent follow-up operation led to the apprehension of 52-year-old freight agent Agoro Tajudeen Moninuola, identified as the sender of the consignment.
In a separate import-side operation, Babafemi said officers intercepted 2.90kg of “Loud” concealed within snack food packs arriving from the United States.
Following the initial arrest of two clearing agents, the agency nabbed the suspected consignee, Saheed Adeshina Adegoke—a 29-year-old fashion designer—at his residence in Ogba, Lagos.
Beyond the nation’s gateway, the NDLEA spokesperson highlighted a massive seizure on the Kaduna-Zaria highway.
Operatives intercepted a trailer conveying cement to Jigawa State, which was found to be hiding 847 kilograms of skunk. The driver, Umar Garba Haruna, was taken into custody.
Babafemi further noted the agency’s offensive against cannabis cultivation. In Cross River State, a raid on a forest in the Uwet community, supported by the military, resulted in the destruction of 15,000kg of skunk spanning six hectares.
A 53-year-old female suspect, Alice Sunday Udoh, was arrested at the scene. Similarly, in Edo State, over 2,281kg of psychoactive substances were destroyed at Saboro camp, with three suspects apprehended.
The statement also detailed the arrest of two suspects at Mile 2, Lagos, who were allegedly attempting to transport 11,900 capsules of tramadol and 400 ampoules of phenobarbital injection to Ghana.
While the agency continues its “drug supply reduction” efforts, Babafemi emphasized that the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization remains a priority. In the past week, WADA lectures were held at various secondary schools in Niger, Cross River, Kogi, Katsina, Kano, and Lagos states to educate students and staff on the dangers of illicit substances.
Reacting to the string of successes, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers across the MMIA, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Kaduna, and Lagos Commands.
He noted that their efforts effectively balanced the “drug supply reduction” mandate with proactive WADA sensitization. Marwa urged the personnel to maintain the current tempo to ensure a drug-free society.
