Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency, NDLEA, has started 2025 with a major win. NDLEA’s New Year haul include arrests of a drug kingpin, a Nollywood filmmaker, etc. On January 1st, the agency arrested a Lagos socialite, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye. NDLEA suspects she is running a massive drug cartel. Her arrest was the result of intelligence that led to a huge drug seizure, says NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi.
He says Alhaja Ajoke, the social circles, is also “Iya Ruka” in the drug underworld. Her true identity was shrouded in mystery for years while she remained on the wanted list of NDLEA. The agency suspects Alhaja Ajoke leads one of the drug cartels operating from Mushin area of Lagos.
On January 1, 2025, NDLEA operatives intercepted a white Izuzu truck carrying 44 jumbo sacks containing 1,540 kilograms of imported cannabis. The driven was 41-year-old Abideen Adio, a staff of Alhaja Ajoke. Thereafter, the operatives stormed her hideout at 33 Adebayo Oyewole street, off Ago Palace way, Okota, where they arrested her.
Nollywood filmmaker in NDLEA’s new year haul
This is a significant blow to drug trafficking networks in Nigeria. On December 27th, 2024, NDLEA officers arrested a US-trained filmmaker, Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe, for his involvement in trafficking cannabis. Mbadiwe is a US-trained Hollywood and Nollywood filmmaker. He is also a motivational speaker. Operatives arrested Mbadiwe alongside his associate, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James. They were linked to the smuggling of 17.3 kilograms of Loud, a potent cannabis strain, from the United States.
In Kwara, the gency arrested two young women for selling drug-laced cupcakes to students. Khadijat Abdulraheem, a fresh graduate, and Ayomide Morakinyo, a university student, were caught red-handed. Their operation highlights the growing trend of targeting vulnerable populations, such as students. The operatives found 42 pieces of drugged cakes in their apartment, during search.
The role of anti-drug advocacy groups
Anti-drug advocacy groups have long warned about the dangers of increased drug circulation. Tunde Olamide, a psychologist, suggests, “When young people are exposed to drugs, they are more likely to develop psychological issues.” He says drug abuse can severely affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and addiction. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drug trafficking and abuse can destabilize entire communities.
Organizations like the Drug-Free Nigeria Foundation have consistently advocated for stricter drug laws and better education. They emphasize the need for comprehensive awareness programs to curb drug abuse among young people.
The NDLEA’s operations are a crucial part of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. This initiative encourages collaboration between security forces, community leaders, and schools. More schools should implement drug prevention programs. “If we start educating students earlier, we can reduce drug consumption in the long run,” said Olamide.
Seizing huge shipments in NDLEA’s New Year haul
The NDLEA New Year haul also included significant seizures at major ports. On December 31st, 2024, officers recovered 316,800 bottles of codeine syrup at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex. This massive seizure was part of a joint operation with Nigeria Customs. In Kano, another seizure took place. Officials confiscated 149,090 pills of Tramadol and Exol-5 from a local dealer.
These drugs are highly addictive and contribute to numerous health crises, says Babafemi. While these drug busts are essential, experts stress the importance of tackling the root causes of drug abuse. Mrs. Sade Bolarinwa, a clinical psychologist, advises the authorities to address the underlying social issues. They include poverty and unemployment. She urges that the government focus on creating more opportunities for youth.
Experts ave stressed on awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of drug use. Bolarinwa says schools should be proactive in educating students about the risks associated with drugs. “Prevention is better than cure,” she says . “We need more investment in mental health services and education to prevent addiction before it starts.”
Leave feedback about this