The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded one of its most significant operational breakthroughs in recent years with the arrest of a Brazilian national found in possession of a large consignment of heroin valued at over ₦3 billion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The arrest forms part of a series of coordinated nationwide operations that have led to multiple high-profile seizures and the apprehension of suspected drug traffickers across several states.
The Brazilian suspect, identified as Ms. Ingrid Rosa Benevides, a 30-year-old private security officer, was arrested shortly after her arrival in Nigeria aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from São Paulo via Doha. Acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives subjected her luggage to a thorough examination during routine arrival screening.
According to the agency, officers discovered 21 factory-sealed packets of Brazilian coffee concealed inside two suitcases checked in by the suspect. Upon closer inspection and forensic testing, the coffee packs were found to contain a total of 30.09 kilogrammes of white heroin. NDLEA officials described the seizure as the largest single heroin interception ever recorded at the Abuja airport, estimating its street value at over ₦3 billion.
In her preliminary statement to investigators, Ms. Benevides reportedly claimed she travelled to Nigeria on holiday. However, NDLEA officials said investigations were ongoing to unravel the full extent of the drug trafficking network behind the attempted smuggling, including possible local and international collaborators.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, NDLEA operatives also intercepted two outbound passengers, Adediran Adedoyin and Afatakpa Ochuko, who were preparing to board a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, Turkey. A detailed search of their luggage led to the discovery of 3,990 pills of controlled substances, including tapentadol and tramaking, carefully concealed inside food items to evade detection.
In another major operation, officers of the NDLEA Marine Command in Lagos intercepted a wooden boat at Jakande Beach, Lekki, carrying a massive consignment of cannabis. The boat was found with 1,848 kilogrammes of Ghana Loud cannabis packaged in 44 jumbo bags. NDLEA sources said the illicit drugs were smuggled from Ghana through coastal routes before operatives, acting on intelligence, stormed the area in the early hours and seized both the boat and its cargo.
The agency also disrupted the illegal movement of explosives in a separate operation along the Kaduna–Zaria highway. Two suspects, Aminu Ali Baba, 20, and Abdulrasheed Abubakar, 28, were arrested after NDLEA operatives discovered 140 packets of explosives concealed in a commercial bus. The explosives were allegedly being transported to Kano and Kaduna states. NDLEA said the interception underscored the dangerous intersection between drug trafficking, organised crime and broader security threats.
In Kaduna State, an intelligence-led raid conducted at Kwangila in Zaria Local Government Area resulted in the arrest of two suspects, Fatima Ibrahim, 42, and Adejimoh Ismaila, 44. During the operation, NDLEA officers recovered 120 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis from the suspects’ possession.
In the North-East, NDLEA operatives in Borno State intercepted a large haul of pharmaceutical opioids during a stop-and-search operation. The drugs, comprising 179,590 pills of tramadol and diazepam, were concealed in sacks of charcoal and animal feed while in transit from Potiskum in Yobe State to Maiduguri. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the alleged owner of the consignment, Rabiu Imam, 32, who was taken into custody for further investigation.
In the North-Central zone, coordinated operations in Kwara and Niger states led to the arrest of a female suspect, Mrs. Eze Chioma, in Mokwa, Niger State. Her arrest followed the interception of 78,500 tramadol pills in Bode Saadu, Kwara State. NDLEA officials disclosed that investigations revealed her husband is currently remanded in prison for a similar drug-related offence, suggesting a pattern of family involvement in illicit drug trade.
In Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 72-year-old suspect, Afolalu Joseph, alongside Abu Bunmi, during a raid on their residences. The operation led to the recovery of 62 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis. The agency said the arrest demonstrated that drug trafficking cuts across age groups and social backgrounds.
In Edo State, a joint operation between the NDLEA and soldiers of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade yielded another major seizure. The operation resulted in the arrest of a village head, Chief James Abamu, and another suspect. Officers recovered 681 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis and 181 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds from the suspects, highlighting the involvement of community figures in the illegal drug trade.
Beyond these headline seizures, NDLEA recorded additional arrests and recoveries across Kano, Oyo, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Delta and Ondo states. These operations led to the seizure of various illicit substances, including tramadol, pentazocine injections, codeine syrup, skuchies mixtures and over 1,500 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis.
In addition to enforcement actions, the agency sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign, organising sensitisation and awareness programmes in schools, places of worship and communities across several states. The initiative is aimed at reducing drug demand by educating young people and the wider public on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Commending the nationwide operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retired), praised the professionalism, courage and commitment of NDLEA officers and men across the country. He urged them to sustain the current momentum in both supply reduction and demand reduction efforts.
Marwa reiterated the agency’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks, disrupt supply chains and protect communities from the social and security consequences of illicit drugs. He also called for continued cooperation from the public and international partners, stressing that the fight against drugs requires collective responsibility.
The NDLEA said investigations into all the cases are ongoing, with suspects expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of preliminary inquiries.
