The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled two major drug cartels responsible for smuggling cocaine consignments from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, arresting six suspects, including an alleged kingpin identified as Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said the anti-narcotics operations were carried out over three weeks in Lagos, starting from September 16, 2025. The operation followed the interception of 174 parcels of cocaine, weighing 13.4 kilograms, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja.
The illicit drugs were cleverly concealed in cocoa butter body cream containers, with further discoveries showing concealment in stainless steel cups, hair gel, and crayfish packages, all intended for export to the UK.
“Operatives of the NDLEA have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers,” Babafemi said.
“The arrowhead of the syndicate, Hammed Taofeek Ode, who parades as a businessman and real estate developer, has been arrested.”
Arrest of Cartel Kingpin: Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode
The operation began when NDLEA operatives at MMIA intercepted the first cocaine consignment. A cargo agent was immediately arrested, and subsequent investigations led to the identification of Ode as the alleged mastermind.
According to the NDLEA, Ode had lived for over 27 years across several countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, before returning to Nigeria in 2024. He reportedly claimed to be a businessman and real estate developer.
“During interrogation, Ode admitted ownership of the intercepted drugs and revealed he purchased the cocaine for over ₦150 million,” Babafemi added.
The agency disclosed that it coordinated with Zone 2 Police Headquarters in Lagos to secure Ode’s arrest after learning he had reported a separate case there.
More Arrests and Seizures Linked to UK-Bound Cocaine
In a follow-up operation on October 2, 2025, NDLEA operatives intercepted two more cocaine-laden consignments at the MMIA export shed. Two suspects, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, were arrested.
- One consignment, concealed in crayfish and 12 stainless steel cups, contained 1.00kg of cocaine.
- Another, also disguised as crayfish and 36 containers of hair cream, hid 1.60kg of cocaine.
NDLEA Continues Crackdown on International Drug Syndicates
The NDLEA, Nigeria’s lead agency on combating drug trafficking, has stepped up its operations against international drug syndicates using the country as a transit point for narcotics.
Babafemi emphasized that the agency will continue to disrupt drug trafficking operations and bring high-profile offenders to justice.
“This is yet another breakthrough in our commitment to preventing Nigeria from being used as a hub for international drug trafficking,” he said.
The agency noted that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
