Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made significant strides in combating drug trafficking in Nigeria, highlighted by the recent arrest of Simonpeter Oguejiofor, a Thailand returnee, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. Oguejiofor was apprehended on October 7, 2024, while attempting to smuggle 13.30 kilograms of heroin, valued at over N3.192 billion, concealed in six backpacks packed into two large suitcases.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Oguejiofor’s journey began on October 3, when he left Thailand on a Qatar Airways flight, with a layover in Doha, where he spent two days. His luggage was originally routed to Accra, Ghana, his intended destination. Upon arriving in Lagos on October 5, Oguejiofor contacted the airline to reroute his luggage to Nigeria, hoping to pick them up as rush bags to avoid security checks. However, NDLEA officers intercepted him at the airport exit, leading to a thorough search of his suitcases. The search revealed three empty backpacks in each suitcase, with a large parcel of heroin sewn into all six backpacks. The total weight of the seized heroin amounted to 13.30 kg.
In his statement to the authorities, Oguejiofor claimed he was hired for a fee of $7,000 to transport the drugs, indicating that he was supposed to deliver two parcels in Lagos and four in Accra, Ghana. His arrest is part of a broader wave of interdiction operations targeting transnational drug cartels, as emphasized by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
In addition to Oguejiofor’s arrest, the NDLEA has successfully intercepted large consignments of opioids at three seaports, with a combined monetary value of N22,740,958,000. These operations resulted in the seizure of 32,607,900 pills of tramadol worth over N12.57 billion and 1,451,994 bottles of codeine-based syrup with a street value exceeding N10.16 billion. The illicit consignments were identified through intelligence reports and processed for a 100 percent joint examination with men from Nigeria Customs and other security agencies. This collaborative effort took place between October 7 and 11, 2024.
Moreover, the NDLEA’s recent activities extend beyond airport operations. In Anambra State, operatives arrested a 29-year-old man named Okelue Chidera on October 12, 2024, for possessing 50,000 tablets of tramadol. Meanwhile, in Edo State, NDLEA operatives conducted a raid at a cannabis transit and loading point in Aviose, Owan West Local Government Area, recovering 70 bags of cannabis weighing 1,050 kg. Another suspect, Monday Akele, aged 38, was arrested on October 11 during a separate raid in Owan Village, Ovia North East Local Government Area, where authorities seized an additional 110 kg of cannabis.
The NDLEA’s ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign has also been active across the country, focusing on sensitization activities aimed at schools, workplaces, and communities. Recent events included educational lectures at various institutions, such as Sacred Heart Girls International Secondary School in Calabar, Cross River; Methodist Girls High School in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom; and Federal Government Girls Secondary School in Bida, Niger State. These lectures aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyles among students and community members.
In addition to school engagements, the NDLEA has conducted advocacy visits to community leaders, including a visit to Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti. These initiatives reflect the agency’s commitment to addressing drug abuse through education and community involvement.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, commended the officers at MMIA, Lekki Seaport, Apapa, and Port Harcourt, as well as the Anambra and Edo Commands, for their successful operations and seizures. He emphasized the importance of their balanced approach to both drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts, which are crucial in the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria.
As the NDLEA continues its rigorous efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, the agency remains dedicated to safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians. Through strategic operations, community engagement, and educational initiatives, the NDLEA strives to create a drug-free society, demonstrating its resolve in the ongoing battle against illegal drug activities in the country.
SOURCES
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/ndlea-arrests-thailand-returnee-with-n3-1bn-heroin-at-lagos-airport/amp/
- https://punchng.com/ndlea-arrests-thailand-returnee-with-n3-1bn-heroine/
- https://thesun.ng/ndlea-nabs-thailand-returnee-with-n3-1bn-heroin-at-lagos-airport/
