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NDLEA uncovers 20.5kg of cocaine concealed in cups, creams, and hair gel containers
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Syndicate mastermind, Alhaji Hammed Ode, arrested after 27 years abroad
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NDLEA vows no hiding place for traffickers as operations intensify nationwide
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major cocaine cartel responsible for six UK-bound consignments, arresting the group’s arrowhead, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, and five others.
The breakthrough followed a string of intelligence-led raids across Lagos and other states between September 16 and October 2, 2025, leading to the seizure of 20.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in cocoa butter, stainless cups, and hair products.
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Mr Femi Babafemi, the agency’s operatives first intercepted 13.4kg of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos. The drug, hidden inside cocoa butter containers, was traced to Ode — a returnee who had spent over 27 years in Europe.
Subsequent raids uncovered an additional 7.1kg of cocaine packaged in hair gel, cups, and crayfish bags. Among those arrested were Smith David Korede, a furniture maker; Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo; and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, all linked to the trafficking ring.
Crackdown Extends Nationwide
In related operations, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 6.3kg shipment of Loud, a high-grade cannabis strain from Thailand, concealed in bedsheets and hibiscus flowers.
The agency also conducted raids across Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Edo, and Kogi, recovering thousands of tramadol, pregabalin, and codeine pills.
Highlights of the crackdown include:
Kano: Seizure of 290,450 pills of tramadol and pregabalin from Sa’adu Ali.
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Lagos: Arrest of a notorious dealer known as “SammyBless” with 550g of Colorado and seizure of 109kg of skunk.
Osun: Destruction of 14,000kg skunk plantation in Owena/Ijesha forest.
Edo: Destruction of 10,897kg skunk across four farms and seizure of 244.5kg in Igbanke.
Reacting to the success, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the operatives for their “tenacity and professionalism,” declaring that the agency will not relent in its pursuit of traffickers.
“These operations should serve as a warning NDLEA will not rest until the menace of illicit drugs is eradicated from Nigeria,” Marwa stated.
The agency further intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, extending sensitisation programmes to schools, markets, and worship centres across several states.
