Investigations expose ingestion trafficking, hidden coordinators, and nationwide drug network spanning airports, highways, and communities
By Dan Adele | Lagos, Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an Ivorian national, a Nigerian medical doctor, and several other suspects in a widening investigation into an international drug trafficking network operating across Nigeria.
Authorities say the arrests reveal a sophisticated criminal chain involving ingestion trafficking, concealed shipments, and coordinated distribution across multiple states.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the Ivorian suspect, identified as Gohouri Michael, was intercepted at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport during outbound clearance on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan via Addis Ababa.
He was found to have ingested 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49kg.
Investigators say the suspect had spent weeks moving between Lagos, Enugu, and Kano before attempting to export the drugs, allegedly for a payment of €5,000 upon successful delivery.
Hidden Network Leads to Nigerian Doctor
Further investigation reportedly uncovered a coordinated trafficking structure behind the operation, leading to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Chudi Ofomata, in Ogun State.
NDLEA operatives tracked him to his residence in Magboro, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, where he was arrested before being moved to Kano for further interrogation.
Officials say substances including promazepam and promethazine injections were recovered from him during the operation.
Authorities allege the doctor functioned as a key coordinator within the trafficking chain, directing movements of the cocaine consignment through multiple points.
Transport Network and Highway Seizures
In a separate operation along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, NDLEA intercepted a luxury bus belonging to Chisco Transport, recovering 15 kilograms of skunk cannabis concealed within hidden compartments.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the shipment.
Officials say the interception highlights increasing use of commercial transport systems for drug distribution across state lines.
Nationwide Crackdown Expands
The agency also reported multiple arrests across the country, including in Abia State, where a 90-year-old man, Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested with 7.7 kilograms of skunk.
In Niger State, a couple was arrested after 118 kilograms of cannabis were recovered from their home, while additional seizures were recorded in Ogun, Imo, Borno, and Lagos States.
NDLEA says the operations are part of an intensified nationwide crackdown targeting both suppliers and distribution networks.
Emerging Pattern of Sophisticated Drug Routes
Security analysts say the cases point to a growing pattern of transnational trafficking networks combining ingestion couriers, professional facilitators, and logistics channels.
The use of medical professionals, commercial transport systems, and cross-border movement highlights what investigators describe as increasingly complex criminal structuring.
The NDLEA says investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider network behind the arrests, as authorities intensify efforts to disrupt drug flows across Nigeria’s airports, highways, and urban centres.
Officials warn that the latest operations mark only a fraction of a broader trafficking system now under surveillance.
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