National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled two major drug cartels responsible for six separate cocaine consignments bound for the United Kingdom, following a series of intelligence-led operations across Lagos lasting over three weeks.
In a statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the agency confirmed the arrest of five suspects and the alleged kingpin, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who posed as a businessman and real estate developer.
The crackdown began on Sept. 16, 2025, when operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted 13.40kg of cocaine concealed in cocoa butter containers.
Further investigations linked the shipment to Alhaji Ode, who was later arrested with the cooperation of the Nigeria Police. During interrogation, he admitted ownership of the consignment, valued at over ₦150 million, and revealed his extensive residence history across Europe and the UK.
In a parallel operation, NDLEA thwarted five other cocaine export attempts. On Sept. 26, 2.10kg of cocaine hidden in hair cream containers was seized, leading to the arrest of Smith David Korede, a furniture maker.
Two additional consignments linked to Korede were intercepted on Sept. 30, totaling 2.40kg of cocaine.
On Oct. 2, NDLEA operatives intercepted two more shipments concealed in crayfish and stainless cups, recovering 2.60kg of cocaine and arresting Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa.
Separately, NDLEA officers foiled an attempt to smuggle 6.3kg of Loud cannabis from Thailand via courier, and in a joint operation with Customs along Danbatta-Daura road in Kano, arrested Sa’adu Ali with 290,450 pills of tramadol and pregabalin capsules.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
