Inside NDLEA’s March 2025 Crackdown on Drug Lords
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) remains Nigeria’s frontline force in combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse. Its efforts in March 2025 reflect a steadfast commitment to this mission. Established under Decree No. 48 of 1989 as a federal agency under the Ministry of Justice, the NDLEA is tasked with curbing the production, trafficking, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
As Nigeria grapples with persistent drug challenges—from widespread cannabis cultivation to the growing threats of methamphetamine and opioids—March 2025 showcased the agency’s comprehensive strategy in tackling these issues.
This report highlights the NDLEA’s key achievements for the month.
Crackdown on Drug Trafficking
In March 2025, the NDLEA intensified its operations across Nigeria, dismantling both local drug networks and international trafficking routes. In states like Edo, a notorious hub for cannabis cultivation, and Lagos, a major entry point for smuggled drugs, the agency made significant strides.
At Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, operatives intercepted shipments of cocaine and opioids concealed within prayer beads, destined for the United States, Saudi Arabia, Poland, and Italy. The total seizure weighed approximately 15 kilograms. Meanwhile, at Kano’s airport, an Indian woman was arrested with 72 parcels of heroin wrapped in chocolate, weighing 11 kilograms.
In another striking case, a 42-year-old businessman bound for Turkey excreted 120 wraps of cocaine after his arrest at the same Kano airport.
These operations underscore the NDLEA’s strong presence at airports, seaports, and border crossings. Beyond targeting drug couriers, the agency also raided clandestine methamphetamine and cannabis storage facilities. While specific seizure totals for March are pending, the agency’s aggressive enforcement remains evident.
Dismantling Drug Syndicates
Under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), the NDLEA has prioritized disrupting the financial networks of drug syndicates. In March 2025, the agency arrested several high-profile traffickers and seized assets, including properties and cash linked to drug barons.
One of the most significant breakthroughs was the capture of Baron Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, an international trafficker who had evaded authorities for over 17 years. Operating in the shadows, Jeff was responsible for shipping illicit drugs worth billions of naira across the globe.
According to Marwa, the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit, working with Interpol and intelligence from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, meticulously tracked him down. His arrest dealt a major blow to global drug networks with ties to Nigeria.
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Strengthening International Partnerships
The NDLEA’s successes in March were bolstered by collaborations with international partners. On March 4, 2025, a French delegation led by Lt. Gen. Regis Colcombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, met with Marwa at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
This visit followed bilateral agreements between French President Emmanuel Macron and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during Tinubu’s recent state visit to Paris. As part of its commitment, the French government pledged support in training, capacity building, and logistics, donating operational equipment to the agency. Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier formally handed over these resources, further enhancing the NDLEA’s capacity to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Expanding Drug Prevention Efforts
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign gained momentum in March 2025, introducing innovative initiatives to curb drug demand.
A standout effort was the launch of “Narcocartoon”, a children’s animated series designed to educate young Nigerians about the dangers of drug abuse. This “catch them young” strategy complements other awareness initiatives, such as the agency’s weekly Friday Twitter (X) Space and Narco Tales on YouTube.
With over 8% of Nigerians using cannabis and synthetic drug use on the rise, these programs aim to address the root causes of drug demand by engaging schools and communities nationwide.
Investing in Officer Welfare and Capacity
Marwa’s leadership extends beyond enforcement to improving the welfare of NDLEA personnel. In March, he commissioned a state-of-the-art fitness center at the agency’s Abuja headquarters, underscoring the importance of officers’ physical and mental well-being.
“A fit workforce is essential to curbing the scourge of substance abuse and trafficking,” Marwa stated. He aligned this initiative with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, reinforcing the need for resilience among law enforcement officers tackling Nigeria’s drug crisis.
The Road Ahead
The NDLEA’s activities in March 2025 highlight its critical role in addressing Nigeria’s drug problem through enforcement, international collaboration, and preventive measures. While specific figures on total seizures and arrests await the official report, the agency’s trajectory suggests a month of significant progress.
For deeper insights, readers can explore the NDLEA’s official platforms, including its website (ndlea.gov.ng) and Twitter/X account (@ndlea_nigeria).
As Nigeria navigates its complex position as both a producer and transit hub for illicit drugs, the NDLEA’s continued vigilance stands as a testament to its unwavering resolve.
By PRNigeria
