In a sweeping intelligence-led operation across several states in Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced on Sunday that it had seized more than 7.6 million Tramadol pills and approximately 76,273 kilograms of cannabis, including the dangerous “Colorado,” “Loud,” and “Skunk” strains. The massive haul is being described as one of the largest single-day drug seizures in recent history, highlighting the agency’s renewed commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating in the country.
According to NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, a significant portion of the opioids — 3,874,000 tramadol pills (225 mg and 100 mg) and 252.2 litres of codeine syrup — were recovered on December 6 from a warehouse at Oko Market in Asaba, Delta State. In a separate operation on December 3, 1.2 million tramadol (225 mg) tablets were intercepted in Imo State. These pills were being transported in a vehicle reportedly loaded in Aba (Abia State) and bound for Onitsha in Anambra State.
NDLEA also reported the seizure of 1,577,112 capsules of tramadol and Exol-5 tablets in Adamawa State. The drugs were concealed inside jumbo bags disguised as sandals and slippers, transported in a Toyota Hiace bus on the Maraba–Mubi route. Two suspects, Kabiru Buba (25) and Hamza Abubakar (32), were arrested in connection with this bust. Another suspect, Mudansir Rabiu (27), was apprehended along the Zaria–Kano highway with 197,000 Exol-5 tablets.
The crackdown extended beyond opioids to cannabis. NDLEA operatives targeted multiple cannabis storage sites, including hidden warehouses and forest hideouts, leading to the confiscation and destruction of large quantities of illicit weed. In Ekiti State, agents destroyed 14,654 kg of skunk hidden in Omuo-Ekiti forest. Earlier raids in Asin-Ekiti (Ikole LGA) led to the destruction of 54,300 kg of skunk, with an additional 28.3 kg recovered for prosecution.
In Ondo State, a raid in Igoba forest (Akure North LGA) resulted in the recovery of 5,442 kg of compressed cannabis, along with the arrest of five suspects. Edo State also witnessed significant seizures, including 447.5 kg of skunk recovered from two Honda Accord cars in Agho Forest, Akoko Edo LGA. A warehouse raid in Isiefve community, Ohuwunde LGA, yielded an additional 315.8 kg of cannabis.
Several suspects believed to be key players in these trafficking networks are now in custody. These operations form part of NDLEA’s broader campaign to dismantle drug cartels operating across Nigeria, a push that has, in recent months, led to the interception of hundreds of thousands of opioid pills and the destruction of numerous illicit cannabis farms. The agency emphasized that these were intelligence-led operations, indicating careful planning and coordination across multiple states.
Experts say the scale of the recent seizures sends a strong message to traffickers and highlights the risks associated with drug abuse in Nigeria. The 7.6 million tramadol pills alone, if circulated, could have fueled widespread addiction among youths, while the massive cannabis haul underscores the persistence of trafficking networks using both forest hideouts and warehouses to evade law enforcement.
While the crackdown is expected to limit the supply of illicit drugs, experts warn that tackling addiction requires more than enforcement. Public sensitization campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and ongoing monitoring of trafficking routes are essential to ensure long-term reduction in drug abuse.
NDLEA has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on traffickers, working closely with local communities, security agencies, and intelligence networks to prevent the circulation of illegal substances. The agency has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help sustain the fight against drugs.
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