75-Year-Old, Four Female Drug Dealers Nabbed as NDLEA Makes Large Seizures

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 75-year-old man and four female suspected drug dealers across several states in a renewed nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking networks.

The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that the arrests were part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations targeting drug cartels across Nigeria.

According to the statement, the elderly suspect was arrested in Ebonyi State, while the four female suspects were apprehended in separate operations conducted in Edo, Imo, Kano, and Gombe States.

Babafemi said a major breakthrough was recorded in Taraba State on June 6, 2026, when operatives intercepted a truck loaded with building materials suspected to be carrying concealed drugs. The vehicle, which was travelling from Onitsha in Anambra State to Jalingo, was stopped following credible intelligence.

A thorough search conducted at the Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo led to the discovery of a large consignment of opioids and other illicit substances hidden beneath the cargo.

One suspect, identified as 22-year-old Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested in connection with the shipment during the operation.

The NDLEA said the seizures form part of intensified efforts to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates operating across transport routes in the country, especially those using legitimate goods as cover for illicit substances.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining nationwide operations aimed at reducing drug supply chains and curbing the spread of substance abuse, particularly among young people.

Authorities also warned that no individual involved in drug trafficking would be spared regardless of age or gender, as investigations continue into the broader network linked to the intercepted consignments.