In a significant blow to narcotics networks across Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a series of major arrests and seizures, culminating in the capture of a wanted 65-year-old female kingpin in Ibadan.
Major Kingpin and Cannabis Haul Captured in Ibadan
Operatives have apprehended Fatima Ilori, popularly known as 'Mama Kerosine', who is described as a major distributor of illicit drugs in the Oyo State capital. The intelligence-led operation, which took place on Monday, December 29, 2025, also led to the arrest of another female suspect, Olusanya Abosede, 35, in the Onireke/Elekuro area of Ibadan.
The arrest followed the earlier seizure of 238.4 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, which was allegedly linked to Ilori's operations. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed these developments in a statement.
International Interceptions and Cocaine Bust at Apapa Port
In separate operations targeting international trafficking, the agency made critical interceptions at a courier company in Lagos. On December 24 and 29, 2025, various quantities of ketamine, ecstasy, and tramadol pills were discovered concealed within sachets of coffee mix and book parcels. These consignments were destined for countries including Zambia and the United Kingdom.
In a more dramatic maritime bust, the NDLEA took into custody 22 Indian crew members of the merchant vessel MV Aruna Hulya. The operation, conducted on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the GDNL Terminal, Apapa Port, Lagos, resulted in the seizure of 31.5 kg of cocaine found in the ship's hatch three. The vessel had originated from the Marshall Islands.
The detained individuals include the ship's master, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, and 21 other crew members:
- Bharati Manoj Kumar
- Bhalerao Nilesh Mukund
- Nadar Anthony Macson David
- Kolusu Srinivasa Rao
- Sagar Gaurav
- Francis Anto Beemas Nester
- Jagdeep Singh
- Jai Parkash
- Prabhukhan Singh
- Nevage Sandesh Suresh
- Pandey Prashant
- Nittu Anand
- Akash Babu
- Dasari Raju
- Reddy Nandika Sanjeeba
- Rana Nivesh
- Melethil Insaf Rahman
- Barla Chantanya Krishna
- Ghosh Arijit
- Mondal Raihan
- Gangwar Shiv Om
Nationwide Seizures Disrupt Supply Chains
The NDLEA's crackdown extended to several other states, significantly disrupting local and regional drug supply chains.
In Borno State, the agency targeted suppliers believed to be feeding illicit drugs to insurgents. Isa Mohammed, 26, was arrested on January 2, 2026, after operatives intercepted 9,150 ampoules of tramadol injection along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala road. On the same day, Musa Samaila, 30, was apprehended at Biu market with 34,000 capsules of tramadol.
In Lagos, a New Year's Day operation in the Mobolaji Johnson area led to the recovery of approximately 400 kg of skunk and a vehicle used for its transportation.
Jigawa State saw the arrest of Bilya Ibrahim, 39, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. He was nabbed at a motor park in Hadejia town while attempting to transport 260 compressed blocks of skunk weighing 140.8 kg, allegedly from Taraba State and destined for Nguru in Yobe State.
Kwara State operatives were equally active. On December 30, they recovered 238.5 kg of skunk from a suspect's residence in the Asadam area of Ilorin. Furthermore, on New Year's Eve, Abubakar Rabiu, 32, was arrested at Bode Saadu in Moro Local Council with a total of 32,000 pills of tramadol and diazepam.
A Decisive Blow Against Drug Trafficking
This coordinated series of operations represents a substantial victory for the NDLEA in its ongoing war against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. The arrests of high-profile targets like 'Mama Kerosine', the interception of international shipments, and the disruption of supplies to volatile regions underscore the agency's multifaceted approach. These successes highlight the continued vigilance and intelligence-driven strategies being employed to combat the scourge of illicit drugs across the nation.
