The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, arresting an 80 year old ex convict and several other suspects across multiple states in a series of coordinated operations that underscore the agency’s renewed resolve to dismantle drug networks and curb the spread of narcotics in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NDLEA confirmed the arrest of Jeremiah Isaiah Nkanta, an octogenarian previously convicted for drug related offences, who was apprehended once again for allegedly returning to the illicit drug trade barely three years after serving a prison sentence. Nkanta was arrested on January 10, 2026, at Abak village in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following intelligence led surveillance by NDLEA operatives.
According to the agency, a search of Nkanta’s residence led to the recovery of 5.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Nkanta had earlier been arrested in November 2022 and subsequently prosecuted and sentenced to two years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for engaging in illicit drug business.
“Barely three years after he was arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to two years imprisonment for dealing in illicit drugs, an 80 year old grandpa Jeremiah Isaiah Nkanta has again been nabbed by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for returning to the criminal trade,” Babafemi said.
He described Nkanta as notorious for drug trafficking activities, noting that despite his advanced age and previous conviction, the suspect allegedly resumed involvement in the illegal drug market shortly after completing his jail term. Babafemi added that investigations were ongoing to determine Nkanta’s network and supply chain, with a view to dismantling any syndicates linked to him.
In another significant operation in Akwa Ibom State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a suspected drug trafficker who allegedly attempted to smuggle large quantities of tramadol concealed inside mannequins. The suspect, identified as Ani Onyebuchi Romans, a 37 year old businessman, was arrested along the Oron Ibaka road in Oron Local Government Area while reportedly heading towards Cameroon.
According to the NDLEA, a search of the consignment revealed pills of tramadol weighing 5.3 kilograms ingeniously hidden inside two mannequins. The agency said the concealment method was designed to evade detection at checkpoints and border posts.
Babafemi disclosed that the suspect claimed to be resident in Cameroon and was returning to his base after spending the Christmas and New Year holidays in Nigeria when he was intercepted by NDLEA operatives. Further investigation allegedly revealed that the tramadol was purchased in Onitsha, Anambra State, and was being trafficked to Cameroon for sale.
“It was revealed that he bought the drugs in Onitsha, Anambra State and was trafficking them to Cameroun to sell, using two mannequins to conceal the opioids,” the NDLEA spokesperson stated.
The agency noted that tramadol remains one of the most abused prescription opioids in the region and a major driver of substance abuse, particularly among young people. NDLEA officials reiterated their determination to stop the cross border trafficking of the drug, which fuels addiction, crime and public health challenges.
Beyond Akwa Ibom State, NDLEA operatives also recorded multiple arrests in Oyo and Edo States as part of the nationwide operations aimed at disrupting drug supply chains at the grassroots level.
In Oyo State, a 45 year old man identified as Remi Bamidele was arrested at Sasa area of Ibadan over alleged possession of various strains of cannabis. According to the NDLEA, Bamidele was found with quantities of skunk and other cannabis variants during a routine operation.
Also in Ibadan, NDLEA officers arrested Adeola Toheeb, a 27 year old suspect, at the Adegbayi area of the state capital on Friday, January 9. The agency said Toheeb was found in possession of assorted quantities of Colorado, Ghana Loud and skunk, all considered high potency cannabis strains.
In a related arrest at Ring Road, Ibadan, operatives apprehended Habeeb Ali, 29, who was allegedly in possession of 1.264 kilograms of Colorado, Scottish Loud and skunk. The NDLEA said a cash exhibit amounting to one million three hundred and seven thousand one hundred naira was also recovered from Ali at the point of arrest on Saturday, January 10.
The NDLEA described the cash recovery as proceeds of drug trafficking, adding that financial investigations would be conducted to trace the source and destination of the funds, as part of efforts to weaken the financial backbone of drug networks.
In Edo State, NDLEA operatives arrested a dispatch rider, Osagbovo Edigin, 30, alongside two other suspects, Ebimi Labo, 28, and Akhimie Success, 25, at Ihama Airport Road, GRA Benin City. The arrests followed the seizure of 118 grams of Canadian Loud and a wrap of Colorado, which were allegedly being distributed within the city.
Babafemi said the arrests demonstrated the evolving tactics of drug traffickers, including the use of dispatch riders and small scale distribution networks to move drugs quickly and discreetly within urban centres.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained intelligence driven operations and community engagement to address the menace of drug abuse and trafficking. According to him, the NDLEA under its current leadership remains focused on reducing both supply and demand through enforcement, rehabilitation and public enlightenment.
“The agency will not relent in its efforts to protect Nigerian communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs, regardless of the age, status or background of those involved,” Babafemi said.
He urged members of the public to support the NDLEA by providing timely and credible information on suspected drug activities in their communities, noting that collective action was essential to winning the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
The latest arrests come amid growing concern over the social and economic impact of drug abuse in Nigeria, particularly among youths. Experts have consistently warned that the proliferation of illicit drugs poses serious threats to public health, security and national development, making the NDLEA’s intensified operations a critical component of broader efforts to safeguard the country’s future.
