NDLEA Arrests Three Persons With Disabilities Over Drug Trafficking, Seizes ₦5.8bn Cannabis In Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria -  10 May, 2026

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide war against illicit drug trafficking with the arrest of three persons living with disabilities (PWDs) for alleged involvement in narcotics distribution, alongside the seizure of 2,326 kilogrammes of “Loud,” a strong strain of cannabis valued at over ₦5.8 billion in Lagos State.

The arrests and seizures were recorded during a series of coordinated operations conducted by operatives of the agency between May 4 and May 7 across Lagos, Anambra, Kwara, Kogi and Nasarawa states.

The Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

According to the agency, the operations formed part of ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates, disrupt the movement of illicit substances across the country and strengthen the fight against substance abuse and criminal networks.

Babafemi stated that among those arrested were three persons with disabilities suspected to be actively involved in drug trafficking activities in separate operations carried out in Anambra and Kwara states.

He explained that in one of the major breakthroughs recorded during the week-long operations, NDLEA operatives stormed a luxury mansion located in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, allegedly being used as a warehouse for illegal drugs.

During the raid, officers reportedly recovered 2,326 kilogrammes of Loud cannabis carefully packaged in several bags and containers hidden within the building.

The agency estimated the street value of the seized consignment at more than ₦5.8 billion, describing the seizure as one of the biggest recoveries made in recent anti-narcotics operations in the country.

Babafemi noted that the successful operation followed intelligence gathering and surveillance carried out by NDLEA operatives over a period of time.

He added that several suspects linked to the warehouse and the movement of the drugs were also apprehended during the operation, while investigations are ongoing to uncover the wider network behind the illicit trade.

The NDLEA spokesman further disclosed that other operations conducted in different states led to the interception of additional quantities of hard drugs, psychotropic substances and cannabis intended for distribution within and outside the affected states.

According to him, the agency also carried out raids on identified black spots and transit routes frequently used by drug traffickers and criminal groups.

Babafemi reaffirmed the determination of the NDLEA under the leadership of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Buba Marwa, to sustain aggressive enforcement actions against individuals and groups involved in the production, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs.

He warned that the agency would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to track down traffickers and dismantle drug cartels operating across the country.

The spokesman also urged members of the public to support the agency by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing efforts to rid communities of illicit drugs and related criminal activities.

In recent months, the NDLEA has recorded a series of major interceptions involving cocaine, cannabis, tramadol, methamphetamine and other dangerous substances at airports, seaports, highways and residential areas across Nigeria.

Security experts have repeatedly linked the growing abuse and trafficking of narcotics to rising cases of violent crimes, cultism, banditry and terrorism financing in different parts of the country.

The latest operation is seen as another significant step in the agency’s broader campaign to curb drug-related crimes and protect communities from the dangers associated with illicit substances.

The suspects arrested in the various operations are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.