NDLEA Arrests Fugitive Drug Baron After 3-Year Manhunt, Seizes N7.8bn Opioids in Rivers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded another major breakthrough in its nationwide crackdown on narcotics, arresting a fugitive drug baron after three years on the run and intercepting ₦7.8 billion worth of opioids at Onne Port, Rivers State.
The suspect, Sunday Ibigide, 36, was arrested on August 10, 2025, in Delta State. He was apprehended while attempting to distribute 250 blocks of cannabis weighing 138 kilograms in his bus. His accomplice, Clement Osuya, 27, was also taken into custody.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said Ibigide had been on the wanted list since March 2022, when he was linked to the seizure of 24.1kg of cannabis and 10 grams of molly. His capture, Babafemi stressed, represents a significant milestone in the agency’s sustained offensive against drug cartels.
Multi-Billion Naira Seizures at Onne Port
In a parallel operation, NDLEA operatives working with Customs and other security agencies at Onne Port seized 875,000 bottles of codeine syrup valued at ₦6.1 billion, along with 3.5 million pills of tramadol and benzhexol worth ₦1.7 billion. The haul was uncovered during the joint examination of five containers on August 13 and 14.
Nationwide Raids and Arrests
The agency intensified operations across several states, leading to multiple arrests and seizures:
Enugu State: Three cannabis farms covering 15 hectares were destroyed, eliminating 37,500kg of cannabis. Six suspects were arrested, while patrol teams also recovered 20,700 tramadol and cocodamol pills, alongside 27.6kg of skunk from three suspects.
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Lagos State: A mother and son, Muyibat Mumuni (52) and Faruk Mumuni (25), were arrested in Mushin with 149kg of “Ghana Loud” cannabis. Another suspect, Emmanuel Samuel, was apprehended in Ajah, Lekki, with 8.5kg of Canadian Loud.
Edo State: 432kg of cannabis was seized along the Warake–Auchi Road, while another 130kg was recovered in Sobe, Owan West LGA.
Kano State: Two suspects, Tahiru Manga (25) and Ibrahim Audu (47), were arrested with 92kg of cannabis along the Zaria–Kano Road.
Gombe State: Operatives intercepted 128,000 tramadol capsules from Sani Mohammed (32).
Kogi State: 337,800 tramadol capsules were seized from a commercial bus driven by Sulaiman Oyedokun (47).
Taraba State: 11,250kg of cannabis was destroyed in Tanmiya forest, while 29,840 tramadol capsules were recovered in Wukari.
Kaduna State: Four suspects were arrested with 22,640 tramadol/rohypnol pills and 111.1kg of cannabis.
Seme Border (Lagos–Badagry Expressway): 4,320 ampoules of ketamine injection were intercepted, with Akeem Adegun arrested.
War Against Drug Abuse Campaign
Meanwhile, the NDLEA is intensifying its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, engaging traditional rulers such as former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Emir of Borgu, the Emir of Lafia, and the Shehu of Borno to mobilise grassroots support for a drug-free society.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers across the states and applauded the synergy with other security agencies. He urged operatives to sustain the momentum of intelligence-driven operations while balancing enforcement with public sensitisation.
By PRNigeria
