ABUJA, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has broken up an international organised criminal group with operations spanning Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The two-week intelligence-led operation was carried out in Lagos, the agency announced in a statement on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Three alleged leaders of the cartel were arrested after a large consignment of cocaine was intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, officers on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, intercepted 76 cartons of textile materials bound for Sydney, Australia.
A search uncovered 16 blocks of cocaine weighing 17.9 kilograms concealed in lace fabrics and packed with local charms intended to provide “spiritual cover” against detection.
The cocaine shipment had an estimated street value of 5.3 million Australian dollars, or roughly ₦5.3 billion, the agency said.
The interception led to the arrest of a freight agent, who provided information that helped uncover further members of the network.
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, operatives arrested a man identified as Ogunbiyi, described as the group’s Nigerian coordinator, at a hotel in Ikeja GRA.
A search of his Lekki residence yielded 21 parcels of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 10.9 kilograms, as well as a pump-action shotgun and cartridges.
A follow-up raid on a house in Ikeja GRA believed to be used for drug packaging resulted in the arrest of another alleged leader, Shola Adegoke.
Officers seized 17 parcels of Loud cannabis weighing 9.6 kilograms from a Range Rover SUV on the property.
Investigators also linked the network to Adebisi Omoyele, known as “Mr. Bee,” said to be directing overseas operations from Dubai.
Authorities disclosed that Adegoke had been jailed in the United Kingdom in 2021 for methamphetamine trafficking before being deported to Nigeria in 2024.
Ogunbiyi was previously convicted of murder in the UK and served a 14-year sentence before returning to Nigeria about eight years ago.
NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa praised the agency’s MMIA Command for what he described as a major breakthrough.
“The arrests and seizures of the past week demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations,” Marwa said.
He urged officers nationwide to continue deploying what he called a “balanced approach” to drug control.
