This was the outcome of a competitive bid process for the sale of eight assets forfeited by drug barons in parts of the country. While bidders who offered above reserved prices emerged winners of four of the listed properties, bids for four others failed because none offered up to the reserved prices.

Announcing the winning bids at the bid opening ceremony attended by representatives of ICPC, Civil Society Organisations, auctioneers and bidders at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday 15th June 2026, the Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi declared Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin estate firm as winner of a six-floor hotel located in Victoria Island Lagos with N5.9 billion offer. Other winners include FSS Limited which won a property at Lekki Phase 1 Lagos for N219,500,000.00; A-BNB Global Innovations Limited which bid emerged winner of a block of flats located in Ejigbo Lagos for N104 million and Fazeen Global Link Limited which won a property in Akure, Ondo state for N29,360,000.00.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) who was represented by the Agency Secretary, Shadrach Haruna noted that “public auctions such as this serve a broader national purpose. Beyond generating revenue for the Government, they reinforce public confidence in the rule of law, demonstrate accountability in the management of recovered assets, and send a clear message that criminal proceeds will not be allowed to remain in the hands of those who seek to profit from the misery and destruction caused by illicit drugs.”
He assured that “the Agency remains steadfast in its determination to strengthen Nigeria’s asset recovery framework and to ensure that recovered assets are managed and disposed of in a manner that is transparent, lawful and beneficial to the public interest”, adding that “We shall continue to pursue drug traffickers, dismantle criminal networks, recover the proceeds of crime and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.”
Speaking on the integrity of the process, the NDLEA boss stated that “to further enhance transparency and public confidence in the process, representatives of sister law enforcement and regulatory agencies, civil society organisations, the media, prospective bidders and members of the public have been invited to witness the bid-opening exercise. The bids received for each lot will be evaluated against the approved reserve price, and the highest responsive bidder who satisfies all requisite conditions shall be declared the successful bidder. The entire process will be conducted openly, fairly and transparently in the presence of all attendees.”
“The process culminating in today’s auction has been conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and all other applicable laws, regulations and guidelines. Consistent with the Agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process, all assets earmarked for auction were professionally valued by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the designated official valuer of the Federal Government.

“Furthermore, the Agency undertook extensive due diligence and security screening of all auctioneers pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). We are satisfied that none of the auctioneers engaged in this process has any known involvement in drug-related offences or any other criminal activity capable of compromising the objectives of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act or the integrity of this exercise”, he added.

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The female Chinese national who naturalised in Malaysia was arrested on Sunday 17th May 2026 upon her arrival in Nigeria from Thailand via Dubai, UAE, aboard an Emirates Airline flight. She was intercepted by NDLEA operatives attached to the Terminal 2 Arrival Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

Investigation revealed that the suspect travelled from Malaysia to Thailand and subsequently to Nigeria via the UAE with two large travel boxes containing the synthetic cannabis consignment weighing 31.0 kilograms.

During an interview, the 63-year-old suspect who claims she works as a caregiver in Malaysia stated that her daughter sponsored her trip from Malaysia to Thailand and subsequently to Nigeria.

She further disclosed that she spent two weeks in Thailand, before she was handed the illicit consignment at the Thailand airport to deliver in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, another major shipment of illicit drug consignment has been recovered at the import shed of the Lagos airport. Following close monitoring of the consignment by NDLEA operatives since its arrival from India aboard an Emirates Cargo flight, the 29 large cartons containing One Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten (1,825,710) tablets of Tapentadol 250mg, worth Two Billion, One Hundred and Ninety Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand Naira (N2,190,852,000) were eventually handed over to the NDLEA by the Customs Service on Friday 22nd May 2026.

In another successful interdiction operation, NDLEA operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu on Wednesday 20th May intercepted a suspect Onyeka Valentine Emeka during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight from Sierra Leone via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When placed under observation, the suspect excreted a total of 185.36 grams of cocaine.

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, a 29-year-old building engineer, Babatunde Prosper Afekhide was on Wednesday 21st May arrested by NDLEA operatives while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Abuja via Addis Ababa to Milan Malpensa, Italy.

A search conducted on his luggage led to the recovery of 10,280 pills of Tramaking 225mg; Tramadol 200mg and Tapentadol 250mg. The opioids were concealed using foil paper and hidden inside a carton, in a suitcase, obviously to evade detection.

In yet another operation at a courier company in Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted 1,174 pills of MDMA (Ecstasy) concealed in bicycle luggage carrier heading to Netherlands; 66 pills of tramadol 225mg hidden in soap container going to the United States and 18 tablets of tramadol 225mg concealed in body cream container heading to the United Kingdom.

In Edo state, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence raided Igwe community in Owan East LGA where a total of 59 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 489kg and cannabis seeds weighing 9kg were recovered.

While a suspect Isah Sani, 30, was nabbed with 196,000 pills of exol-5 on Wednesday 20th May along Zaria/Kano road, Kano state, NDLEA officers at Seme border, Badagry area of Lagos recovered 59kg skunk from a warehouse in Mowo, Badagry on Tuesday 19th May.

Another operational success was recorded in Ekiti state where NDLEA operatives on Saturday 23rd May raided a warehouse located at N/56, Ikoyi community, Ikole-Ekiti and recovered 1,116 kilograms of skunk, while 54-year-old suspect Ogundana Adebayo Julius was arrested in connection with the seizure.

With the same zeal, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Command Day School, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo state; Girls Secondary School, Amenyi, Anambra; Matazu Model Primary School, Matazu LGA, Katsina; C&S Primary School, Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos; Alufo High School, Apugo, Enugu; Aramoko District Commercial Secondary School, Aramoko Ekiti; and Government Girls Secondary School, Kurna, Kano state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, NAIA, AIIA, Edo, Ekiti, Seme, and Kano Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) noted their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to continue to raise the operational bar.

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Marwa who gave the charge during the official commissioning of the Agency’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM in Abuja on Thursday 21st May 2026 challenged all stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to join the NDLEA in its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy drive to save the youth population from the danger of accepting abuse of illicit drugs as an acceptable culture.
According to him, “We recognize that behind every statistic of drug abuse is a human being. A vulnerable teenager seeking escape; a broken family searching for answers; a brilliant mind derailed but capable of redirection. Through this station, we will drive our narrative softly but firmly. We will counter the toxic pop-culture that glamourizes drug abuse by replacing it with a vibrant, alternative culture—one that celebrates sobriety, showcases real stories of recovery, and provides accurate, life-saving information.
“Let us make no mistake: the stakes could not be higher. If we do not control the narrative today, the consequences tomorrow will be catastrophic. Substance abuse is a hydra-headed monster that feeds insecurity, decimates public health, cripples economic productivity, and compromises the very future of our workforce.

“But for us at the NDLEA, we refuse to look at the future through a lens of despair. We’re deeply hopeful because today represents concrete action. It represents a paradigm shift. It proves that the NDLEA is not just reacting to threats, but proactively innovating to stay ahead of them. Clean Beat 91.5 FM will stand as a beacon of light, constantly reminding us that a drug-free Nigeria is not an idealistic dream, it is an achievable reality.

“Today, we are doing something far more significant than merely switching on a transmitter or launching a new radio station. Today, we are amplifying hope. We are commissioning a powerful, relentless voice for a cause that sits at the very heart of our national security, the survival of our communities, and the destiny of our youth.

“At the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), our mandate is clear, and our resolve is unyielding. Day and night, our officers are on the front lines. We intercept illicit shipments, we dismantle sophisticated criminal syndicates, and we prosecute those who trade in human misery.

“With the benefit of hindsight, I have always maintained that while enforcement wins battles, education and prevention win wars. True victory against the scourge of substance abuse cannot be achieved solely by the cold steel of handcuffs or the iron bars of a prison cell. It is won when we dismantle the demand. It is won when we conquer the ignorance that lures our children into the abyss of addiction.

“And that is precisely why Clean Beat 91.5 FM was conceived. In a fast-evolving digital age, radio remains an incomparable asset. It is intimate. It is immediate. It bypasses barriers and speaks directly to the citizen—in their living rooms, on their daily commutes, in the bustling marketplaces, and in the quiet moments of introspection.”

He stated that the milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who approved the budget for the station, the National Security Adviser and the National Broadcasting Commission who both approved the radio frequency, international partners, and the dedicated team at the NDLEA who worked tirelessly to translate the vision into broadcast reality. “I extend my deepest gratitude to you all. Your partnership proves that when we unite against a common threat, victory is inevitable”, he added.

“To all Nigerians, and most especially to our vibrant youth: this station is yours. Tune in, engage with our programmes, challenge yourselves, and become ambassadors of this movement. Let us rewrite the story of our generation; let us guard the health of our nation; and let us protect the rhythm of our future. Together, ladies and gentlemen, let us keep the beat clean”, the NDLEA boss pleaded.

In his goodwill message at the occasion, United Nations Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Touré who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended Marwa for considering a radio platform as a viable tool for advocacy.

“Through this initiative, the NDLEA has demonstrated its continued commitment to innovative and people-centred approaches that complement enforcement efforts with education, advocacy, and dialogue. Through this platform, NDLEA is taking the drug control message directly to the people — into homes, communities, schools, and streets.
This initiative also aligns strongly with the National Drug Control Master Plan and reinforces the leadership of NDLEA in driving a balanced, health-oriented, and security-conscious approach to drug control in Nigeria”, he stated.

Also speaking, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Charles Ebuebu commended the Agency’s leadership “under the visionary stewardship of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa for this remarkable initiative. The establishment of Clean Beat 91.5 FM represents far more than the launch of another radio station. It represents the strategic deployment of broadcasting as an instrument of national orientation, behavioural change, youth engagement and social transformation.”

“I am particularly encouraged by the station’s focus on youth engagement. Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world and our greatest long-term national investment must remain the protection, education and empowerment of our young people. The fight against substance abuse is therefore not simply a law enforcement responsibility. It is a national developmental imperative”, he added.

Speaking in the same light, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu who was represented by Mr. Bala Musa hailed the idea of the radio station as a platform to enhance positive attitudinal change and citizens reorientation.

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Onyekwere was arrested on Thursday 29th January 2026 during the inward clearance of South African Airways flight passengers arriving from Brazil via Johannesburg at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja-Lagos.

When the 47-year-old suspect was taken for full body scan, the result confirmed illicit drug concealment.

As a result, he was subjected to a strip search, during which a big parcel of white powdery substance, which later tested positive for cocaine, was discovered wrapped around his right thigh.

A further search revealed two additional wraps of the same substance concealed in the sole of a pair of flat shoes worn by the suspect. In all, three large wraps of cocaine, with a gross weight of 1.60 kilograms, were recovered from his body and footwear.

During a preliminary interview, the suspect revealed he purchased the illicit drug consignment in Brazil with the intention to resell the cocaine in Nigeria in order to raise capital to boost his business and also finance the naming ceremony of his newly born child.

The suspect who lives in Rua Ever, Mulariuha, São Paulo, claimed that he has been living in Brazil since 2008 while he has been operating a toy business for about nine years.

At the Tincan seaport in Lagos, a total of 55 jumbo bags of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis with a gross weight of 1,183 kilograms imported from Montreal, Canada in a container was discovered on Wednesday 28th January during a joint examination of the shipment by NDLEA officers, Customs and other security agencies.

The illicit consignments were hidden inside two vehicles: a Hyundai SUV and a Toyota Matrix car.

In Niger state, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of Tuesday 26th January intercepted a long truck marked T 31589 LA along Dei-Dei Abuja expressway where they arrested the trio of Andy Chidogu, 49; Kenneth Ogene, 45; and Sadiq Olanrewaju, 27, for conveying 176 bags of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 2,735 kilograms and 1 kilogram of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, concealed in the truck.

Investigations revealed that Kenneth Ogene who drives the truck left Lagos on 23rd January loaded with 800 bags of flour to Ekpoma, Edo State and arrived the following day 24th January. In Ekpoma, he then negotiated to transport the 176 bags of skunk and 1kg Colos for N1.7million.

In another interdiction operation, NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Tuesday 27th January arrested Shaibu Yusuf along Auchi-Abuja express road while looking for a vehicle to convey 66 bags of skunk concealed in bags of charcoal, weighing 792kg, to Katsina.

Also, in Edo, operatives supported by Nigerian Army personnel on Wednesday 28th January raided a cannabis farm at Ebora camp, Ilushi in Esan South East LGA where 4,063.675kg skunk was destroyed on over 1.6 hectares farmland while 328kg processed cannabis and its seeds were recovered.
Suspects arrested at the camp include: Jeremiah Nwodeh, 46; Chukwudi Pius,33; Pius Ogaba, 46; and Onora Kwene, 35.

In Anambra state, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 28th January intercepted a cement truck at Upper Iweka Onitsha, heading to Nkpor. A search of the trailer revealed that bags of cement were used to conceal 345.2kg skunk owned Abum Okeke, 42, who was one of the three occupants of the truck at the time of arrest.

At least, two suspects: Tunde Ogundele,39, and Soji Elegbelye, 46, were on Monday 26th January arrested at Eleyewo community in Akure North area of Ondo state, in connection with the seizure of 473kg skunk, while NDLEA operatives in Kano on same day nabbed Abdullahi Usman, 45, at Murtala Mohammed way, with 12,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection recovered from him.

Not less than 4,390 pills of tramadol were seized from another suspect Musa Shuaibu, 42, when he was arrested in Gaya area of Kano on Tuesday 27th January.

While Oragwan Ekene was arrested on Friday 30th January at Okeyson park, Alaba, Lagos, with 15.5kg skunk heading to Onitsha, Anambra state with the illicit consignment, 3.5kg of same psychoactive substance was recovered from a sound system and two packets of cereal found in the luggage of Omang Peter Edward at the arrival tarmac of Seme border, Badagry on Tuesday 27th January. The suspect was coming from Cotonou, Benin Republic into Lagos.

Across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse, (WADA), sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Government Day Junior Secondary School, Jaji Maji, Yobe; Boys Technical College, Aba, Abia; Government Technical and Vocational College, Obollo Orie, Enugu; St. John’s R.C.M Primary School, Odomola Eredo, Epe, Lagos;
Yandaki Primary School, Kaita, Katsina and Seed of Life College, Ibadan, Oyo state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Tincan, Niger, Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Ondo, and Kano Commands for the arrests, seizures and their professionalism, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue the current balanced approach to their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

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