NDLEA Busts Captagon Ring, Seizes Cocaine, Opioids, IED Materials Nationwide

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks following the interception of the terror-linked stimulant, Captagon, in Kwara State and several major seizures across the country.

The agency disclosed that its operatives recovered 10,000 pills of Captagon during a patrol along Bode Saadu Road in Kwara on April 21, describing the seizure as a major breakthrough against attempts to reintroduce the dangerous substance into Nigeria’s drug market.

Authorities said Captagon is a highly addictive amphetamine widely associated with extremist groups in the Middle East, known for enhancing aggression, suppressing fear, and keeping users awake for long periods, making it a preferred stimulant among insurgents.

NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), assured Nigerians that the drug would not be allowed to gain ground in the country, warning traffickers that enforcement operations have been strengthened nationwide.

The Kwara operation led to the arrest of a suspect, Nasiru Mu’azu, who was allegedly found with the Captagon consignment alongside packets of Tapentadol, another controlled opioid.

In another operation along the same route, NDLEA operatives intercepted a trailer loaded with a large quantity of pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol capsules, injections, and other sedatives concealed in a specially constructed compartment.

A suspect identified as Aminu Isah was arrested in connection with the seizure.

In Oyo State, operatives uncovered an international drug trafficking attempt involving a businessman, Eze Prince Emeka, who had swallowed illicit substances to avoid detection.

After being placed under observation, he reportedly excreted 45 wraps of cocaine weighing over one kilogram.

Investigations revealed that the suspect planned to transport the drugs through trans-Saharan routes to Europe, using Algeria as a transit point.

In Edo State, officers intercepted a truck carrying more than 1.1 million pills of pharmaceutical opioids along the Benin-Lagos Expressway.

Two suspects were arrested, while investigations showed the consignment was heading toward Onitsha for distribution.

In Lagos, another suspect was arrested with 810 kilograms of a cannabis strain, while in Bauchi State, operatives recovered over 150 kilograms of skunk from a separate suspect.

Ekiti State also recorded a major seizure, with nearly 467 kilograms of skunk discovered inside a suspect’s residence, allegedly prepared for distribution to northeastern Nigeria.

In Cross River State, NDLEA operatives, supported by security agencies, destroyed 20,000 kilograms of cannabis cultivated across eight hectares of farmland, significantly disrupting local production networks.

In Niger State, operatives intercepted 394 components suspected to be materials used for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from a suspect transporting them in a private vehicle.

The agency said the suspect and the recovered materials would be handed over to relevant security authorities for further investigation.

NDLEA noted that the operations reveal the growing connection between drug trafficking, terrorism, and other forms of organised crime, including arms proliferation.

Beyond enforcement, the agency said it has continued its War Against Drug Abuse campaign through sensitisation programmes in schools, religious centres, and communities across the country.

Marwa commended officers involved in the operations, describing the Captagon seizure as a major victory against criminal syndicates attempting to revive dangerous drug supply chains in Nigeria.

He stressed that the agency would continue intelligence-driven operations and aggressive enforcement to protect national security and prevent illicit drugs from fueling violence and criminal activities.