By Seyi Odewale
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed two major cocaine cartels behind six shipments of the narcotic bound for the United Kingdom, arresting six suspects, including an alleged kingpin, Alhaji Taofeek Ode.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the operations, spanning three weeks in Lagos, exposed a sophisticated network concealing drugs in body cream, hair gel, and stainless-steel cup containers.
He said the breakthrough began on September 16, 2025, when operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms hidden in cocoa butter body cream containers.
A cargo agent was first arrested, leading investigators to the alleged mastermind, Ode, who was tracked and detained with the cooperation of the police. During interrogation, Ode reportedly confessed to owning the drugs, which he said he bought for ₦150 million.
“In a series of intelligence-led operations that lasted over three weeks, operatives successfully dismantled two major drug cartels responsible for six consignments of cocaine to the UK,” Babafemi said.
Ode, who reportedly lived in several European countries for 27 years before returning to Nigeria in 2024, allegedly used his business and real estate ventures as cover for trafficking.
Two other suspects, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, were also arrested on October 2, 2025, after NDLEA operatives intercepted additional cocaine-laden consignments concealed in crayfish packs and hair cream containers.
Babafemi said the seizures included 1.0kg and 1.6kg of cocaine, hidden in 12 stainless cups and 36 hair cream containers, respectively.
The NDLEA reiterated its resolve to dismantle all transnational drug syndicates exploiting Nigeria’s airports, seaports, and land borders for illicit trade.
“We will continue to pursue every trafficker, no matter their disguise or network. The message is clear, there is no safe passage for drug cartels,” Babafemi affirmed.
