Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says it has intercepted cocaine concealed in dried fish and seized multiple illicit drug consignments bound for the UK, in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
Cocaine hidden in dried fish uncovered
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said its operatives uncovered 5.8kg of cocaine hidden inside the heads of imported dry stock fish, locally known as “okporoko”.
DASCENARIO reports that the seizure followed a targeted operation by the agency’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) command in Lagos.
A 36-year-old suspect, Akputa Dickson Ejike, described by officials as a key member of an international drug syndicate, was arrested.
“The cocaine was concealed in dry fish heads and was meant for export to Delhi, India,” the NDLEA said.
Authorities say the operation was based on intelligence about a cross-border trafficking network supplying drugs to international markets.
UK-bound shipments intercepted
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers intercepted two consignments destined for the United Kingdom at a courier company.
One shipment, which originated from Cotonou in Benin Republic, contained 1.9kg of methamphetamine hidden in automobile filters.
Another package contained 40 ampoules of morphine sulphate and nine ampoules of fentanyl—both powerful opioids linked to global drug abuse concerns.
Syndicate bust in Lagos
Operatives also raided a suspected drug distribution hub in Yaba, Lagos, arresting a 46-year-old woman, Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, and her associate.
Officials said 135 blocks of “Ghana Loud”, a potent strain of cannabis weighing 76.3kg, were recovered.
The suspect, also known as “Iya Ghana”, was described as a trader who allegedly ran a cross-border drug network between Nigeria and Ghana.
Another suspect, Anayo Lucky Ohabiro, was arrested in Surulere with 41kg of the same substance.
Arrests across states
The NDLEA reported additional arrests and seizures across several states:
In Ekiti, an 80-year-old man was arrested with methamphetamine and cannabis.
In Ondo, nearly 895kg of cannabis was recovered during a raid.
In Edo, a warehouse containing 576.5kg of cannabis and codeine syrup was uncovered.
In Benue, over 116kg of cannabis was seized.
In Taraba, a truck carrying 135kg of cannabis concealed in animal feed was intercepted. 
Why it matters
The seizures highlight the scale and sophistication of drug trafficking networks operating in and through Nigeria.
They also point to the country’s role as both a transit and destination hub in the global narcotics trade, particularly for shipments bound for Europe and Asia.
Public health experts warn that substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine pose significant risks due to their high potency and addiction potential.
NDLEA response
The Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), commended officers involved in the operations.
“We must maintain a balance between reducing drug supply and addressing drug demand through prevention and education,” he said.
The agency added that its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continues nationwide, with sensitisation programmes held in schools across several states.
Industry and public perspective
Security analysts say the latest operations reflect improved intelligence-sharing and coordination among enforcement units.
However, they warn that sustained investment in border control, surveillance, and public awareness will be critical to long-term success.
What’s next
The NDLEA says investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider networks behind the intercepted consignments.
Authorities are also expected to strengthen monitoring of export channels and courier services used for trafficking.
