In a press release issued by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, March 9, 2025, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, an automobile spare parts dealer, following a three-week manhunt.
Ubodoeze was apprehended in connection with an attempt to export two kilograms of cocaine hidden in vehicle propellers to Angola. The illicit consignment was initially intercepted on February 21, 2025, at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos. Swift collaboration with Angolan authorities led to the arrest of the intended recipient, which in turn revealed the sender’s identity.
On Thursday, March 6, NDLEA operatives tracked Ubodoeze to his residence in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos. He was caught attempting to flee in a Kia Sport Utility Vehicle. A search of his car uncovered 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin, a known cocaine-cutting agent, disguised as semolina. Additionally, a digital scale used for measuring illicit drugs was recovered from his house.
In his confession, Ubodoeze admitted to trafficking cocaine alongside selling auto spare parts at Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos. He explained that his associate in Angola had alerted him upon being arrested, prompting his attempt to escape before NDLEA operatives swooped in.
NDLEA Intensifies Crackdown: Massive Narcotics Seizures, and Nationwide Arrests
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted a shipment of cannabis-laced candies from the United Kingdom. The consignment, which arrived on February 27 via Allied Airways as part of a consolidated cargo, was meant for sale at a Kiddies Mart on 46 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos.
Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of a strong strain of cannabis in the candies. Following initial investigations, Adedamola Taylor, the intended recipient, was arrested on March 4. Taylor claimed the shipment was sent by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, to be delivered to Musurat Lawal, who operates the Kiddies Mart. A follow-up operation led to Musurat’s arrest.
Further anti-narcotics operations across Lagos resulted in multiple arrests. On March 7, NDLEA operatives at Shibiri, Ojo, intercepted a commercial truck carrying 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud, a high-grade strain of cannabis, weighing 128kg. Two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, were apprehended in connection with the haul. That same day, three more suspects—Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe—were arrested at Mosalasi Junction, Mushin, with 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids.
In Kano, a 65-year-old suspect, Yahaya Haruna, was caught transporting 19.2kg of skunk along Gadar Tamburawa Road on March 6. Additionally, 60-year-old Musa Bello, alias Jajere, was nabbed with 212 bottles of codeine-based syrup at Medile, Kumbotso Local Government Area.
A major bust in Abia State on March 4 led to the seizure of 442,594 tramadol pills, other opioids, and 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup from a warehouse belonging to 37-year-old Blessing Okoronkwo at 19 Ubani Street, Aba. In Benue State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a vehicle at Ugbema Junction, Katsina-Ala, on March 5, seizing 50,000 pills of tramadol and exol-5 from two suspects, Nwaeze Onyeabor, 47, and Tombo Thomas, 23.
Similar crackdowns were recorded in Osun State, where 50-year-old Asimiyu Muibi was arrested on March 4 with 162kg of skunk in Modakeke, Ife East. The same day, 95kg of the substance was recovered from a Toyota Camry marked KSF 72 GW in Ede.
In Edo State, NDLEA officers raided Amahor Community Forest in Igueben on March 5, arresting 55-year-old Etim Esien Stephen and destroying 9,514.625kg of skunk cultivated on 3.805846 hectares of cannabis farmland.
As part of its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, NDLEA continued sensitization programs in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities. Recent activities included lectures at Model High School, Amaechi, Enugu; Bengy Secondary School, Agege, Lagos; Sunshine Secondary School, Nku Udo Eno, Akwa Ibom; and Government Day Secondary School, Dong, Adamawa State.
Commending the efforts of NDLEA operatives, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) lauded the agency’s dedication to both drug supply reduction and demand reduction. “Their operational successes are well appreciated,” he stated, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to a balanced approach in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Stay informed on critical developments in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking. Follow LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng for breaking news, in-depth reports, and expert analyses on security, crime, and national affairs. Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!
