The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has dismantled a major cocaine trafficking syndicate responsible for six shipments of the illicit substance to the United Kingdom.
The agency said the three-week intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of five suspects, including the ring leader, identified as Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who claimed to be a businessman and property developer.
In a statement released on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA said the first breakthrough came on September 16, 2025, when operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms concealed in cocoa butter body cream containers. The discovery, according to the agency, exposed a larger network behind multiple UK-bound drug consignments.
Following the airport seizure, NDLEA operatives launched coordinated raids in Lagos and Ogun States, which led to the arrest of other members of the cartel and the recovery of additional evidence linking them to earlier shipments. “Our operatives have successfully dismantled this sophisticated network that has been operating under the guise of legitimate export businesses,” Babafemi stated.
He explained that the syndicate used fake documents, front companies, and manipulated packaging to disguise the narcotics. “We are now working with our international partners to trace the proceeds and arrest collaborators outside Nigeria,” he said. “Every individual connected to these operations will be brought to justice.”
The NDLEA said the successful operation was a result of detailed intelligence sharing between Nigerian and foreign security agencies, including the UK National Crime Agency. Officials described it as one of the most significant anti-narcotics operations of 2025, highlighting the agency’s improved surveillance capacity.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), praised the operatives for their professionalism and resilience. “This is another bold statement in our war against drug trafficking,” he said. “We will continue to dismantle criminal networks threatening Nigeria’s image and security.”
