NDLEA Intercepts Massive Opioid Haul in Taraba, Arrests 75-Year-Old Drug Suspect in Ebonyi
Oru Leonard
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intensifie pmd its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, intercepting large consignments of opioids concealed in building materials in Taraba State and arresting a 75-year-old suspected drug dealer in Ebonyi State. 
The agency also apprehended four notorious female drug dealers during separate operations in Edo, Imo, Kano, and Gombe states as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug supply networks across the country.
According to the NDLEA, a major breakthrough was recorded in Taraba State on Saturday, June 6, 2026, following intelligence that led operatives to intercept a truck transporting building materials from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo.
A thorough search of the vehicle at the Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo uncovered a substantial cache of illicit drugs concealed beneath the cargo. The driver’s assistant, 22-year-old Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Items recovered from the truck included 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 tablets of rohypnol, and 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.
In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested 75-year-old Okebe Samuel at Okposi after recovering 300 grams of skunk allegedly packaged for retail sale to young people in the community.
The agency also dismantled a drug distribution point in Umulolo, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, where officers arrested 32-year-old Chioma Okeke and seized eight kilograms of skunk.
In Edo State, a coordinated sweep of drug hotspots across Benin City led to the arrest of four suspects, including three women.
At Uyosa, operatives arrested Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, with quantities of skunk, Loud, and methamphetamine. Another female suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was apprehended along Agbor Road with Scottish Loud and regular Loud. A male suspect, Henry Okey, 43, was also arrested at Upper Mission with various psychotropic substances, including Loud, Colorado, Swinol, and methamphetamine.
Meanwhile, in Kano State, NDLEA operatives arrested 19-year-old Saifullahi Lawan in the Kafi area of Madobi on June 4, recovering 40 blocks of skunk weighing 38 kilograms.
In Gombe State, officers intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Sabastine Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area on June 1. He was found in possession of 15,000 capsules of tramadol.
Beyond enforcement operations, the agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign across the country. Sensitisation lectures were delivered to students and staff of several schools, including Holiness Foundation Primary School in Saki, Oyo State; Dorras High School in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State; Ado Girls Secondary School in Onitsha, Anambra State; and Army Day Secondary School in Kano State.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers and personnel in Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano, and Gombe states for their vigilance and professionalism.
Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s determination to combat drug trafficking nationwide, stressing that traffickers would continue to face the full weight of the law regardless of age, gender, or the methods used to conceal illicit substances.
He also urged commands across the country to sustain a balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction through enforcement and public enlightenment programmes.
