NDLEA Smashes N16.9bn Drug Ring in Lagos, Seizes 4.3 Million Opioids in Major Crackdown

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered and raided three illicit drug warehouses concealed within a residential estate in Lagos, recovering opioids valued at nearly N17 billion in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough against drug trafficking networks.

The intelligence-led operation, carried out on April 17, 2026, targeted properties in the Okota area, specifically within Park View Estate in Ago Palace. At the sites—located on Olukayode Awofisayo Street and Charles Ndumetu Street—NDLEA operatives discovered a large cache of opioids, including 2,360,000 pills of high-potency tramadol (225mg) and 1,909,400 bottles of codeine syrup. The seized substances, stored in thousands of cartons, have an estimated street value of N16.9 billion.

Reacting to the operation, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa described the raid as a decisive strike against a major drug syndicate. He said the scale of the seizure underscores both the sophistication of drug cartels and the agency’s growing intelligence capabilities.

“The scale of this recovery—nearly 4.3 million units of lethal substances—is a testament to the fact that our officers are staying several steps ahead of these merchants of death,” Marwa said. “To find such volumes hidden within residential estates like Park View and busy hubs like Okota shows the desperation of these cartels.”

He commended the professionalism and dexterity of NDLEA operatives, emphasizing that the agency remains resolute in dismantling drug networks across the country.

“There is no safe haven for drug traffickers in Nigeria,” he warned. “Whether they hide their illicit goods in elite mansions or suburban warehouses, our reach is long and our resolve is firm. We will continue to degrade your financial base, dismantle your networks, and bring the full weight of the law upon you.”

The NDLEA said the operation marks a significant step in its ongoing campaign to curb substance abuse and disrupt the supply chains of dangerous narcotics circulating within Nigeria.

NDLEA Smashes N16.9bn Drug Ring in Lagos, Seizes 4.3 Million Opioids in Major Crackdown

Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State and rescued two victims with gunshot wounds.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on April 26 when troops deployed at Sanga responded to a distress call regarding the activities of suspected kidnappers along the Kurmin Goro village axis.

The sources disclosed that the armed suspects fled the scene upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their mission.

According to the sources, two victims were rescued during the operation, both of whom sustained gunshot wounds.

The victims were immediately evacuated for medical attention.

The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and surveillance in the area to prevent further criminal activity and ensure the safety of residents.

Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims

Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Buratai District, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising two of the attackers in the process.

According to sources, the attack occurred in the early hours of April 25, 2026, when troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion detected a large number of terrorists attempting to infiltrate their defensive location at LIMA 3 Chara using surveillance systems.

The troops immediately engaged the attackers and held their ground while reinforcement teams swiftly mobilised to the location to support the operation.

The combined response forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray after a brief but intense firefight. During the exchange, two terrorists were neutralised, while one motorcycle used by the attackers was destroyed. Troops also recovered a cache of ammunition from the scene.

No casualties were recorded on the side of the friendly forces, while the situation remains under close monitoring as exploitation operations continue.

Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons