NDLEA Intercepts Major Cocaine Bust & Continues Record Enforcement Successes in Nigeria

Abuja & Lagos, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has strengthened its role in safeguarding Nigerian communities from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking with high-impact interdictions and enforcement statistics that highlight growing operational effectiveness.

Brazilian National Arrested with 30 kg Heroin Worth ~₦3 B in Abuja

Operatives of the NDLEA have arrested a 30-year-old Brazilian woman, Ms. Ingrid Benevides, in Abuja after seizing 30 kilograms of heroin estimated at a street value of about ₦3 billion. The intercept — part of intensified intelligence-led operations targeting international trafficking networks — demonstrates the agency’s commitment to disrupting both domestic and transnational drug supply chains.

5-Year Trend Shows Sustained Operational Impact

In remarks at the agency’s headquarters, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) disclosed comprehensive long-term enforcement statistics: 77,792 drug offenders have been arrested and 14,847 kg of assorted narcotics seized over the past five years, alongside 14,225 convictions — a testament to Nigeria’s strengthened criminal justice response to drug trafficking and abuse.

The reports also highlighted extensive demand-reduction work, with 32,442 individuals benefiting from counselling, treatment and rehabilitation programmes and 13,735 sensitisation activities conducted nationwide.

Recent High-Volume Arrests & Seizures at the State Level

Across Katsina State, NDLEA operatives arrested 1,018 suspects and seized more than 2.4 tonnes of illicit drugs during intensified enforcement efforts — a major achievement in northern Nigeria’s ongoing fight against substance abuse and trafficking.

Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Safety and Future

• Disrupting Criminal Networks: High-value seizures and international trafficking busts reduce the availability of hard drugs on Nigerian streets, protecting public health and safety.
• Justice and Deterrence: Thousands of arrests and convictions reinforce the message that drug crimes attract real consequences under Nigeria’s law enforcement framework.
• Holistic Approach: Beyond interdictions, NDLEA’s counselling and sensitisation programmes promote awareness, prevention and rehabilitation, addressing both supply and demand.
• Collaborative Enforcement: These results reflect effective intelligence coordination with communities, security partners and international stakeholders to curb drug trafficking and abuse nationwide.

NDLEA’s ongoing operations highlight Nigeria’s sustained push to protect its citizens — especially young people — from the harms of substance abuse, and underline the agency’s strategic role in national peace, security, and socio-economic stability.