NDLEA conducts nationwide drug sweeps, seizing 119 tonnes of narcotics

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted extensive nationwide operations, resulting in significant drug seizures and multiple arrests across Nigeria.

In Abia State, 83-year-old Uloma Uchechi Sunday was rearrested for alleged drug trafficking. Sunday had been convicted for similar offenses less than a year prior. Authorities reported finding methamphetamine and Colorado concealed around her waist at her residence, which was allegedly being used as a drug joint.

At Port Harcourt International Airport, a South African national, Gebashe Sithandiwe Jessie, was arrested with 32.74 kilograms of ‘Thai Loud’ cannabis. The suspect reportedly arrived from Thailand via Doha.

Additional major interceptions include: • Lagos: 354,000 tapentadol tablets from Pakistan and 75.9 kilograms of Colorado from the United Kingdom. • Kaduna: Over one tonne of cannabis and the arrest of 108 suspects. • Cross River and Edo: Large quantities of cannabis and various psychotropic substances.

Between January and September 2026, NDLEA reported seizing over 119 tonnes of illicit drugs at Nigerian seaports, with an estimated value exceeding ₦72 billion.