The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking across Nigeria, intercepting a major consignment of Captagon and other controlled substances in a series of coordinated operations spanning multiple states. The agency confirmed these seizures in a statement released on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, highlighting the growing threat posed by illicit drug networks. In Kwara State, NDLEA operatives on April 21, 2026, intercepted Nasiru Mu’azu, 33, driving a trailer along Bode Saadu Road. A search revealed 10 packs of Captagon—totaling 10,000 pills—and nine packets of Tapentadol 250mg.
Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine-based drug widely abused in the Middle East, is known for causing prolonged wakefulness, euphoria, and reduced fear. Its association with criminal gangs and insurgent activities has made it a priority target for law enforcement. The Kwara seizure followed an earlier interception at Apapa seaport in Lagos, signaling a surge in trafficking attempts into Nigeria. Just three days later, on April 24, NDLEA operatives at the same Bode Saadu patrol point discovered a hidden compartment in another trailer. Inside were 155,900 capsules of tramadol, 6,000 ampoules of tramadol injection, 3,000 tablets of co-codamol, and 9,000 tablets of bromazepam. The suspect, Aminu Isah, 24, was arrested and is now in custody.
In Oyo State, NDLEA officers intercepted a commercial bus on April 21 along the Ibadan/Oyo Expressway. A body scan of passenger Eze Prince Emeka, 33, revealed he had ingested illicit drugs. Over three sessions, he excreted 45 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.043 kilograms. Authorities believe he intended to traffic the drugs to Europe via trans-Saharan routes, using Algeria as a transit point after an initial delivery in Sokoto. Meanwhile, in Edo State, a truck was stopped on April 25 along the Benin-Lagos expressway. Inside were 1,196,000 pills of pharmaceutical opioids. Suspects Osagie Igbinibo, 43, and Omijie Malik, 44, were arrested, and the drugs were reportedly destined for Onitsha, Anambra State.
Additional seizures occurred nationwide. In Lagos, Rasheed Ibuowo, 40, was apprehended with 810kg of cannabis. In Bauchi, Muktar Bello, 35, was caught with 288 blocks of skunk weighing 154.5kg. Ekiti State saw the recovery of 466.8kg of skunk from a residence, while Cross River State authorities destroyed 20,000kg of cannabis cultivated on farmland. In Niger State, NDLEA operatives recovered 394 components suspected to be used in making improvised explosive devices from Mohammed Aliyu, 26, who has been handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa praised the officers’ efforts, calling the Captagon seizure a major blow to trafficking networks. He warned that the drug’s link to violence and insecurity makes it a dangerous threat, vowing to step up operations. These seizures underscore the complexity and scale of drug trafficking in Nigeria, as authorities work to stem the inflow and distribution of illicit substances. The ongoing operations reflect a sustained commitment to safeguarding public health and national security.
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