
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled two major drug cartels responsible for multiple cocaine shipments to the United Kingdom, following weeks of intelligence-led operations across Lagos. The crackdown led to the arrest of several suspects, including the syndicates’ alleged leader, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode.
The operations began on September 16, 2025, when NDLEA officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms, hidden inside cocoa butter containers. Further investigations linked the shipment to Ode, who had posed as a businessman and real estate developer. After weeks of surveillance, he was taken into custody, admitting ownership of the consignment worth over ₦150 million.
Another syndicate was also busted after NDLEA officers uncovered several UK-bound consignments concealed in everyday items like hair cream and stainless cups. This led to the arrest of Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, and other accomplices including Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa. Their attempts to smuggle cocaine through airport cargo sheds were intercepted in multiple seizures between September 26 and October 2.
In addition to cocaine, NDLEA operatives stopped other smuggling attempts. These included the seizure of 6.3 kilograms of cannabis imported from Thailand, 290,450 tramadol and pregabalin pills in Kano, and thousands of bottles of codeine syrup in Lagos. Several dealers were arrested across different states, with large-scale drug farms also destroyed in Osun and Edo.
Among the high-profile arrests was that of notorious dealer John Igbe, known as “SammyBless,” caught distributing synthetic cannabis in the Lekki and Ajah areas of Lagos. Meanwhile, in other operations, huge consignments of skunk and codeine syrup were seized, along with multiple arrests in Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) praised the operations, stating that they send a strong message to cartels that the agency will not relent until drug trafficking networks are eliminated. “Every arrest, seizure, and assets forfeited signify lives saved and communities protected,” he said.
The series of coordinated operations highlight NDLEA’s determination to cripple drug trafficking rings, safeguard public health, and disrupt international narcotics networks.
News

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga Dies at Age 80 in India
Former Kenyan Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India.

Hamas Returns More Hostage Bodies as Israel Limits Gaza Aid
Hamas has returned the bodies of four more hostages to Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed on Tuesday night, as both sides struggle to uphold the fragile ceasefire deal brokered by the United States.

Man Accused of Killing GSU Officer at State House Detained for 14 Days
A Nairobi court has ordered the detention of Kimunye Musyimi, the man accused of killing a General Service Unit (GSU) officer outside State House, for 14 days to allow police to complete investigations into the fatal attack.

Venezuela Closes Embassy in Norway After Machado’s Nobel Win
Venezuela has shut down its embassy in Norway just days after opposition leader María Corina Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, a move that has stirred fresh debate over Caracas’s tense relations with Europe.

Teaching Stops as Nigerian University Lecturers Begin Two-Week Strike
Teaching has been suspended in public universities across Nigeria after lecturers began a two-week strike to demand better pay and improved funding for higher education.

Russia Orders 770,000 Migrants to Leave Amid Crackdown
Russia has ordered about 770,000 migrants, mostly from Central Asia, to leave the country following the expiry of their stay permits in September.

Four Killed, 20 Injured in South Carolina Bar Shooting
A mass shooting at a popular bar in South Carolina left four people dead and at least 20 others injured early Sunday morning, authorities said.

Madagascar President Says Attempted Coup Underway Amid Deadly Unrest
An attempted coup is underway in Madagascar, President Andry Rajoelina announced on Sunday, following weeks of violent protests and growing tensions between the government and demonstrators.

Qantas Confirms Major Data Breach Affecting Millions of Customers
Australian airline Qantas has confirmed that personal data belonging to millions of its customers has been leaked online following a major cybersecurity breach.

Illegal US-Mexico Crossings Drop to Lowest Level Since 1970
Illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border have fallen to their lowest level in more than 50 years, according to new federal data obtained by CBS News.

"Union Urges Air Traffic Controllers to Work Through Shutdown"
The union representing U.S. air traffic controllers has urged its members to continue working through the ongoing government shutdown, now in its second week, even as some staffers call in sick and frustration grows over unpaid labor.

Judge Blocks Trump’s Plan to Deploy National Guard to Oregon
A federal judge has temporarily halted former President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, in response to ongoing protests.

Telefónica to Cut 6,000 Jobs as Latin America Exit Deepens
Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica SA is preparing to launch a large-scale redundancy plan that could see more than 6,000 workers laid off by the end of the year.

ICC Convicts Darfur Militia Leader of 27 War Crimes
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted former Darfur militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for atrocities committed in Sudan’s Darfur region between 2003 and 2004.

Police Recover 17 Stolen Goats in Marsabit Raid
A coordinated security operation in Marsabit County has led to the recovery of 17 stolen goats and the arrest of one suspect, marking a significant step in tackling livestock theft in northern Kenya.