February 8, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 62-year-old man from Lagos State in connection with an attempted cocaine smuggling scheme destined for China, officials confirmed following an anti-narcotics operation in Ibadan, Oyo State earlier this week.
The suspect was taken into custody after NDLEA operatives intercepted a shipment and uncovered evidence suggesting an effort to transport illicit substances abroad, including indications the individual had ingested small, individually packaged quantities of cocaine in an attempt to conceal them as part of a transnational trafficking strategy.
The arrest in Ibadan was part of a broader enforcement action conducted by the agency targeting international drug supply chains. NDLEA spokespersons stated that following the suspect’s detention, he was taken to a medical facility for treatment and observation and later placed in custody to face potential charges under Nigeria’s drug laws.
NDLEA officials emphasised that the operation demonstrates the agency’s continued commitment to disrupting efforts by organised crime networks to move hard drugs out of the country, particularly through international routes. The agency also reiterated its cooperation with global partners on intelligence sharing and joint actions to counter narcotics trafficking.
Drug enforcement authorities did not immediately detail the full quantity of substances recovered or the precise charges the suspect will face, but they indicated that further investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may follow as the case develops.