The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has carried out major nationwide operations, seizing more than 7.6 million tramadol pills and over 76,000 kilograms of cannabis in coordinated raids across Nigeria.
The seizures were part of intelligence-led crackdowns on drug trafficking networks, the agency said in a statement on Sunday.
In Delta State, operatives recovered 3,874,000 tramadol pills (225mg and 100mg) and 252.2 litres of codeine syrup from a warehouse at Oko Market, Asaba, on December 6.
In Imo State, 1.2 million tramadol tablets were seized from a suspect, Kelechi Nwakocha, 35, whose vehicle was intercepted along the Onitsha–Owerri Road. The drugs were reportedly transported from Aba, Abia State, to Onitsha, Anambra State.
In Adamawa State, NDLEA officers intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus carrying 1,577,112 tramadol and Exol-5 tablets, hidden inside jumbo bags with rubber sandals. Two suspects were arrested.
Other notable seizures include:
Kano State: 197,000 Exol-5 pills seized from Mudansir Rabiu, 27.
Ekiti State: 68,954kg of skunk destroyed at Omuo-Ekiti and Asin-Ekiti; two suspects arrested.
Ondo State: 5,442kg of compressed skunk recovered from Igoba Forest; five suspects arrested.
Niger State: 500kg of skunk found in a van; driver arrested.
Federal Capital Territory: 46.5kg of cannabis and 573,500 Exol-5 pills seized; two suspects arrested.
Lagos State: 568.1kg of cannabis seized across Mushin, Onipanu, and Trade Fair Complex; three suspects arrested.
Edo State: 762.8kg of skunk recovered from vehicles and warehouses; three suspects arrested.
The NDLEA said the raids are part of its ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaigns, which also involve sensitisation in schools, places of worship, and communities.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA Chairman and CEO, commended officers of the Special Operations Unit and state commands for their efforts, describing the operations as a balanced approach to reducing drug supply and demand nationwide.
