NDLEA intercepts 25.05kg of methamphetamine hidden in cereal packs at Lagos airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized 25.05 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed within breakfast cereal packs at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The arrest took place on November 11, 2026, when a 56-year-old Nigerian man, identified as Omokan Isaac Babatope, but whose real name is Chinedu Onwude, was returning from South Africa.

Babatope had allegedly been living in South Africa under a false identity for over two decades. During questioning, he confessed to using a fake identity after entering South Africa with fraudulent documents. South African businessman Obiora Okoye was identified as the individual who hired Babatope to transport the illicit shipment to Nigeria for a payment of R20,000.

The interception details, including Babatope's involvement and the nature of the payment, are based on the NDLEA's preliminary investigation and have not been substantiated by a court. In a separate incident, a 28-year-old American citizen named Greene Da’monte Khiree was arrested at Lagos airport for attempting to smuggle 33.95 kilograms of a potent cannabis strain into Nigeria.

Additionally, in Kaduna State, NDLEA operatives discovered an illegal firearms manufacturing facility and arrested a 45-year-old suspect named Sagiru Musa. The charges against these individuals are currently under investigation and may lead to further legal proceedings. In previous operations, NDLEA intercepted a Ugandan woman attempting to bring 87 wraps of cocaine, 750,000 Tapentadol tablets, and 3.9 million opioid tablets into Nigeria from India, as well as seized over ₦6.2 billion worth of illicit drugs, including 47,200 Captagon pills and 3.9 million opioid tablets.