Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested an Ivorian national and a Nigerian medical doctor in a widening investigation into an international cocaine trafficking syndicate, alongside multiple coordinated drug seizures and arrests across several states in Nigeria.
The Ivorian suspect, identified as 41-year-old Gohouri Michael, was intercepted at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport during outbound passenger screening on an Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for Milan, Italy, via Addis Ababa. Anti-narcotics officers reportedly discovered that he had ingested 82 wraps of cocaine, weighing a total of 1.49 kilograms, in an attempt to smuggle the drugs out of the country.
Investigators said Gohouri had arrived in Nigeria from Milan earlier in January and had moved between Lagos, Enugu, and Kano in the weeks leading up to his arrest. He was said to have checked into a hotel in Kano where he allegedly ingested the cocaine under instructions from a concealed coordinator linked to the trafficking operation. Authorities believe he was to be paid 5,000 euros upon successful delivery of the drugs in Italy.
Further intelligence gathered by the agency reportedly revealed that Gohouri was not operating alone but was being directed by a hidden handler coordinating the movement of the narcotics through Nigeria’s airport systems.
This breakthrough led NDLEA operatives to a second suspect, a 69-year-old Nigerian medical doctor, identified as Dr. Chudi Ofomata, who was arrested at his residence in Magboro, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Officials say he was tracked for several days before his arrest and was later transferred to Kano for further investigation.
According to the agency, the doctor is believed to be a key coordinator in the trafficking network, allegedly providing logistical support and instructions to couriers moving drugs through international routes. Items reportedly recovered from him include controlled pharmaceutical substances such as promazepam and promethazine injections, which are also regulated due to their potential misuse.
The NDLEA described the arrests as part of a broader effort to dismantle drug trafficking networks that involve both local and international collaborators, including professionals allegedly using their status to conceal criminal activity.
In a separate operation in Lagos, operatives intercepted a luxury Chisco Transport bus along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway after receiving intelligence about concealed narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed 15 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden in a compartment. Two suspects, Kingsley Nsofor and Opara Ifeanyi, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The agency also reported a series of additional arrests and seizures across the country. In Abia State, a 90-year-old man, identified as Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested after operatives discovered 7.7 kilograms of skunk in his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area. The suspect reportedly told investigators that he had been involved in drug activities for over a year, claiming he had previously worked various informal jobs before turning to illicit trade.
In Ogun State, three suspects were arrested with 34 kilograms of skunk, while in Imo State, a 26-year-old woman was detained with 56.2 kilograms of the same substance. In Niger State, NDLEA operatives arrested a couple after 118 kilograms of skunk were recovered from their kitchen during a search of their home in Lapai Local Government Area.
The agency also confirmed the interception of a trailer in Borno State carrying large quantities of controlled pharmaceuticals, including Rohypnol tablets, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections. The owner of the consignment was arrested following the discovery.
In another raid in the Mushin area of Lagos, officials seized 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup and arrested two individuals linked to the storage and distribution of the substance.
NDLEA officials say these coordinated operations reflect ongoing efforts to disrupt both domestic and transnational drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria. They added that investigations are continuing to identify additional members of the syndicates and trace the full extent of their operations.
Authorities have also expressed concern over the involvement of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including professionals and elderly citizens, in drug-related crimes, describing it as a growing challenge in the country’s fight against narcotics trafficking.
As investigations progress, the agency has reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance at airports, highways, and urban centers, while strengthening intelligence collaboration with international partners to curb the flow of illegal drugs through Nigeria.
The suspects arrested in the various operations are expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
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