NDLEA Arrests 72-Year-Old Grandmother, International Drug Mules in Massive Crackdown
In a sweeping nationwide operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 72-year-old grandmother, multiple suspected drug traffickers at Nigerian airports, and a Beninese smuggler at the Seme border, marking a major success in its ongoing war against drug crimes. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed the details in a statement released on Sunday, June 30, 2025.
👵 Grandmother Caught With Skunk in Delta State
Among the most shocking arrests was that of Mrs. Christy Ejaro, a 72-year-old grandmother apprehended on June 25 in the Niger CAT area of Warri, Delta State. She was allegedly in possession of multiple sachets of skunk (a highly potent cannabis variant) packaged for retail distribution.
Her arrest has sparked serious discussions on the increasing involvement of elderly individuals in drug trafficking, raising questions about recruitment tactics within local drug networks.
✈️ Enugu Airport: Cocaine & Meth Smugglers Busted
NDLEA operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu intercepted two major traffickers traveling from South Africa and Brazil:
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Chibuzor Emmanuel, a 38-year-old bar attendant based in Maputo, Mozambique, was found with 17 parcels of methamphetamine (17.5 kg) and 3 parcels of cocaine (3.05 kg) hidden inside bedsheets. He flew from Johannesburg via Addis Ababa.
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On the same flight, 54-year-old Azu Kpodar, a toy vendor residing in São Paulo, Brazil, was caught with 1.25 kg of liquid cocaine concealed in a container of liquid soap. Kpodar claimed he bought the substance while preparing for his upcoming wedding in Nigeria.
Both suspects are now in NDLEA custody and will face prosecution under Nigeria’s Drug and Narcotics Law.
🌍 Cross-Border Smuggler Caught at Seme Border
In a separate operation at the Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State, NDLEA agents apprehended 26-year-old Vode Jean-Luck, a national of the Benin Republic, attempting to smuggle 69 balls of skunk weighing 29.5 kilograms into Nigeria.
Officials say this is part of a larger trend involving cross-border trafficking between West African countries, prompting NDLEA to strengthen surveillance at land borders.
🚨 Kwara Drug Queen “Iya Nafi” Arrested in Omu-Aran Raid
On June 25, NDLEA officers in Kwara State raided the home of Bolanle Oladele, also known as “Iya Nafi”, a notorious local dealer in Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA.
Recovered items included quantities of skunk, tramadol, and flunitrazepam (commonly known as Rohypnol), used in sedative drug abuse.
💬 NDLEA Boss Commends Operatives, Vows More Arrests
NDLEA Chairman, Retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, commended the joint efforts of the Delta, Enugu, Kwara, and Seme Commands for their roles in these high-profile busts.
“These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to cleansing our communities of the drug scourge. Every arrest and seizure moves us closer to a safer Nigeria,” Marwa said.
He also praised the nationwide operations contributing to both supply reduction and demand control in the Nigerian drug ecosystem.
📌 Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria
The latest string of NDLEA arrests reveals the growing complexity of drug trafficking in Nigeria — from elderly dealers to international couriers and cross-border smugglers.
As NDLEA intensifies efforts ahead of future operations, the public is urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support the fight against drug abuse to create a safer, drug-free Nigeria.