Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered a major drug trafficking operation involving cocaine concealed in dry stock fish, commonly known as “Okporoko,” and arrested a suspected syndicate leader.
The agency identified the suspect as Akputa Ejike, 36, who was apprehended during a targeted operation in the Ojo area of Lagos on March 19, 2026.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the arrest followed intelligence on a transnational drug network involved in shipping narcotics abroad, particularly to India. The operation was carried out by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command.
During the raid, officers recovered three large bags from the suspect. A search revealed 237 wraps of cocaine hidden inside the heads of imported dry fish. The drugs weighed a total of 5.80 kilograms and were reportedly intended for export to Delhi, India.
In a separate operation on March 25, NDLEA officers intercepted two illicit shipments bound for the United Kingdom at a Lagos courier facility. One package contained 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in automobile filters, while another included ampoules of morphine sulphate and fentanyl.
Further enforcement actions across Lagos led to the arrest of Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, also known as “Iya Ghana,” and her associate Sarah Zainab Agbabiaka in Yaba. Authorities recovered 135 blocks of “Ghana Loud,” a cannabis strain weighing 76.30kg. Investigators allege Jolayemi operated a cross-border drug distribution network under the guise of fabric trading.
On the same day, another suspect, Anayo Ohabiro, was arrested in Surulere with 78 blocks of cannabis weighing 41kg.
In Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives arrested 80-year-old Oke Samuel and recovered quantities of skunk and methamphetamine. Additional seizures were made in Ondo State, where nearly 900kg of cannabis was discovered during a raid on an uncompleted building.
Operations in Benue State led to the seizure of 116.7kg of cannabis from a suspect, while in Edo State, officers uncovered a warehouse containing 576.5kg of skunk and codeine syrup, arresting Felix Donald.
In Taraba State, NDLEA officers intercepted a truck transporting 135kg of cannabis concealed in animal feed. Two suspects, Osama Mamuda and Auwal Umar, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers across multiple commands for their coordinated efforts in disrupting drug trafficking networks nationwide.
Authorities say the case highlights evolving tactics by traffickers, including concealing narcotics in food items for international export. The agency has intensified intelligence-driven operations at airports, courier hubs, and across states to combat drug supply chains targeting markets in Europe and Asia.
