War on Drugs: Nigerian Authorities Arrest Over 14,480 in 2024

In 2024, Nigeria ramped up its war on drugs, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to curbing drug trafficking and abuse. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), achieved significant milestones.

Between January and October 2024, the NDLEA arrested a staggering 14,480 individuals for drug-related offenses, including 15 high-profile drug barons. These efforts led to the seizure of over 2.4 million kilograms of illicit substances, setting new records for the agency.

Key Highlights of NDLEA Operations in 2024

1. Massive Arrests and Seizures
   The NDLEA’s operations across Nigeria led to the arrest of thousands, including high-profile individuals deeply entrenched in drug cartels. Among these were 15 notorious drug barons who had long eluded the law.
2. Major Drug Seizures

• In February, the NDLEA intercepted its largest-ever single heroin shipment: 51.9 kilograms at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
• The agency destroyed 547,378 kilograms of cannabis plantations nationwide.

1. Rehabilitation and Public Sensitization

• The NDLEA counseled and rehabilitated 6,655 drug users.
• It also conducted 3,064 awareness campaigns, reaching over 1.3 million people in schools, communities, and religious centers.

Notable High-Profile Drug Barons Arrested in 2024

1. Chibuzo Nnamdi Okeke
   Known as the “Narcotics King,” Okeke controlled a vast drug distribution network across West Africa and was arrested in a covert operation in Lagos.
2. Adebayo Wasiu Bello
   A Lagos-based logistics expert turned drug trafficker, Bello facilitated the shipment of synthetic opioids to Europe.
3. Ademola Ibrahim Ajayi
   Operating from Kano, Ajayi ran a heroin syndicate with links to Asia and was apprehended in a sting operation.
4. Ngozi Uche-Ejiofor
   A notorious international courier, Uche-Ejiofor was nabbed at Abuja airport attempting to traffic cocaine to Brazil.
5. Aliyu Musa Dankoli
   A major cannabis cultivator in the South-West, Dankoli was arrested in Oyo State.
6. Mustapha Ibrahim Usman
   Leader of a trans-Saharan trafficking ring, Usman was captured in a cross-border operation involving Interpol.
7. Godswill Nwafor Onuoha
   A financier of drug cartels, Onuoha’s arrest in Port Harcourt disrupted a major methamphetamine production hub.
8. Zainab Amina Bello
   Dubbed the “Queen of Meth,” Bello was caught with over 200 kilograms of methamphetamine in Nasarawa State.
9. Ahmed Idris Wada
   Wada’s arrest in Kano uncovered his ties to Afghan heroin traffickers.
10. Kolawole Femi Olanrewaju
    A Lagos-based chemist, Olanrewaju specialized in the production of synthetic drugs for local and international markets.
11. Yakubu Suleiman Anka
    Known for smuggling cocaine via maritime routes, Anka’s network was dismantled following his arrest in Calabar.
12. Blessing Okoro Eze
    Eze, a courier for South American drug lords, was intercepted at the Lagos airport with 30 kilograms of cocaine.
13. John Ebere Dike
    A Benin City-based trafficker, Dike was apprehended with 45 kilograms of cannabis destined for Europe.
14. Hauwa Musa Adamu
    Adamu’s arrest in Kaduna exposed her role in trafficking opioids into northern Nigeria.
15. Oluwasegun Alabi Egunjobi
    Egunjobi was implicated in funding clandestine labs manufacturing methamphetamine in Ogun State.

Recent High-Profile Cases in December 2024

The NDLEA made headlines with several significant busts toward the end of the year:

• Paris-Bound Drug Mule
  Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur, a 48-year-old businessman, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja for ingesting 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine. He excreted the drugs over seven days while in custody.
• Eleko Beach Interception
  Operatives intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, arresting six foreign nationals, including two Ghanaians and four Beninese.
• Christmas Day Busts in Katsina
  Two suspects, Ibrahim Shaibu and Umar Ahmed, were arrested with large quantities of compressed cannabis sativa during separate operations.

The Path Forward

The NDLEA’s success in 2024 highlights its multi-pronged approach to combating drug abuse and trafficking. The agency’s focus on enforcement, public education, and rehabilitation underscores its determination to dismantle drug networks and foster a drug-free Nigeria.

As 2025 approaches, the NDLEA has pledged to intensify its efforts, expand public sensitization campaigns, and deepen collaborations with international partners to disrupt global drug trafficking syndicates. These actions reflect Nigeria’s resolute stand in the global war on drugs.