NDLEA Intercepts Large Meth Consignments, Arrests Suspects at Lagos Airport and Across Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant seizures at the Lagos International Airport, intercepting a 25.05kg consignment of methamphetamine concealed in packs of assorted breakfast cereals imported from South Africa. The suspect, 56-year-old Omokan Isaac Babatope, was arrested upon his return from South Africa. A thorough search of his travelling boxes led to the recovery of 25 parcels of a white crystalline substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine.

Further investigation revealed that Babatope, whose real name is Chinedu Onwude, holds both Nigerian and South African passports and has been resident in South Africa for over 24 years. He confessed to using forged documents to gain entry into South Africa and adopting the name Omokan Isaac Babatope. Babatope stated that he was contracted by a South Africa-based man, Obiora Okoye, to deliver the illicit consignment in Nigeria for a fee of R20,000.

In another interception at the Lagos International Airport, an American professional basketball player, Greene Da'monte Khiree, was arrested with a 33.95kg shipment of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, from Thailand. The suspect, a native of Savannah, Georgia, USA, claimed he had lived in Thailand since October 2025, where he plays professional basketball. However, a forensic examination of his mobile phone revealed information pointing to his knowledge of and involvement in the drug trafficking activity.

NDLEA operatives also conducted raids across Lagos, Ondo, Delta, Edo, and Osun states, seizing tons of assorted illicit substances. In Lagos, a 33-year-old man, Taiwo Adebayo Aderoju, was arrested with 119.71kg of cannabis sativa. A joint operation in the Ajah area of the state led to the recovery of 78.8kg of cannabis, 2.5 litres of skuchies, and 6.8 litres of codeine syrup.

In Kaduna State, NDLEA operatives busted a factory used for the local fabrication of firearms, arresting a 45-year-old man, Sagiru Musa. Items recovered from the factory include 17 locally made Dane guns, two pistols, and 25 Dane gun pipes. Additionally, a 31-year-old woman, Tabara Dauda, was intercepted conveying 196 AK-47 live rounds of ammunition and N675,000.00 cash.

NDLEA operatives also made significant seizures in other states. In Delta State, a 43-year-old woman, Esther Igba, was arrested with 255.670kg of cannabis sativa and 1.5kg of cannabis seeds. In Osun State, two suspects, Eze Chidiebere and Nwaoge Ugochukwu, were arrested with 86kg of cannabis sativa. In Edo State, a 39-year-old woman, Blessing Chukwudi, was arrested with 14kg of Loud, 65 grams of Colorado, and 73 grams of methamphetamine.

The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen-Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men of the various Commands for the arrests and seizures, praising their vigilance and professionalism. The interception of methamphetamine concealed in breakfast cereals shows that no concealment method can beat the resolve of the Agency's operatives.

Key points

• The NDLEA seized a total of 25.05kg of methamphetamine and 33.95kg of cannabis at the Lagos International Airport.
• The agency busted an illegal firearms factory in Kaduna State, arresting a 45-year-old man and seizing 17 locally made Dane guns.
• The NDLEA made significant seizures across Lagos, Ondo, Delta, Edo, and Osun states, recovering tons of assorted illicit substances.