NDLEA Arrests 22 Crew Members, Seizes 31kg of Cocaine at Lagos Port

NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Shipment at Lagos Port, Detains 22 Foreign Crew Members

Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug trafficking recorded a major breakthrough after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered a large quantity of cocaine aboard a commercial vessel at one of the country’s busiest seaports in Lagos.

The operation, which took place at the Apapa port axis, led to the arrest of 22 crew members, all of foreign nationality, following the discovery of over 31 kilograms of cocaine concealed onboard a merchant ship that had recently docked in Nigeria.

According to information surrounding the operation, NDLEA officers acted on intelligence-driven surveillance and routine maritime inspections. During a thorough search of the vessel, officers discovered suspicious packages carefully hidden within restricted areas of the ship, suggesting a deliberate attempt to evade detection.

Further examination confirmed that the substance was cocaine, a hard drug often trafficked through international shipping routes due to its high street value and global demand.

Following the discovery, the ship’s captain and 21 other crew members were immediately taken into custody for questioning. Investigators are currently working to determine the level of involvement of each individual, including whether the trafficking attempt was coordinated internally or linked to a wider international drug network.

Authorities have emphasized that the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation, and suspects will be formally charged once inquiries are concluded and evidence is fully established.

Nigeria’s seaports, particularly those in Lagos, serve as vital gateways for international trade. However, their strategic importance has also made them targets for transnational criminal syndicates seeking to move narcotics across borders under the cover of legitimate commerce.

In recent times, the NDLEA has intensified surveillance at ports, airports, and border crossings, deploying advanced screening methods and strengthening collaboration with port authorities and security agencies.

This seizure forms part of a broader nationwide campaign by the NDLEA to disrupt drug supply chains. Beyond maritime operations, the agency has continued to intercept drugs concealed in parcels, vehicles, and residential locations across several states.

Officials note that traffickers are constantly changing tactics, which is why enforcement efforts now rely heavily on intelligence gathering, international cooperation, and sustained monitoring of high-risk routes.

Drug trafficking poses serious risks not only to national security but also to public health and social stability. Authorities believe that intercepting shipments before they enter local markets helps prevent the spread of addiction, crime, and related social challenges.

The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a transit or destination hub for illicit drugs, warning that offenders, regardless of nationality, will face the full weight of the law.

As investigations continue, the seized drugs will undergo forensic analysis, while legal proceedings are expected to follow. The agency has also indicated that more details may emerge as inquiries progress, potentially uncovering additional links within the trafficking network.

For now, the operation stands as a reminder of the scale of the global drug trade, and Nigeria’s resolve to confront it head-on.