Beyond the Pulpit: NDLEA Smashes Multi-State Drug Cartels, Nabs Pastor and Kingpin

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a series of high-stakes, intelligence-led operations spanning three weeks, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking syndicate, arrested a high-profile kingpin, and intercepted a staggering array of illicit substances across multiple states.

​The “Palm Kernel” Syndicate Unraveled

​The Agency’s breakthrough began on March 11, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Officers intercepted 3.10kg of cocaine meticulously concealed within tins of palm kernel extract destined for the United Kingdom.

​The syndicate’s leader, 52-year-old King Arinze, was eventually flushed out of a hideout in Isolo. A raid on his warehouse at 11 Ola Ifa Street, Bucknor, revealed a professional drug-packaging factory. NDLEA operatives recovered 886 modified tins, sealing machines, and industrial tools. Arinze confessed to personally draining the oil from the tins to create space for the cocaine shipments.

​Clergy and “Fake” Agents in the Net

​In a shocking twist at the Gbaji checkpoint near the Seme border, NDLEA operatives arrested Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, 45, and his wife, Success Hodonu, 35. The couple, associated with the Celestial Church of Christ in Badagry, was caught with 11kg of skunk hidden in secret compartments of their Honda Pilot SUV.

​Their arrest was linked to an earlier apprehension of Sunday Samuel, a 35-year-old individual posing as a security agent, who was caught transporting 24.5kg of skunk along the same route.

​Choking Bandit Supply Lines

​In the North, the NDLEA dealt a heavy blow to the logistics of armed groups. On April 1, 2026, operatives in Borno State intercepted Aisha Adamu, 28, along the Gamboru Ngala road. Adamu is alleged to be a primary drug supplier to bandit groups operating between Nigeria’s North East and Chad. She was found with 4.3kg of “Colorado,” a potent synthetic cannabis strain.

​Nationwide Crackdown Highlights

​The Agency’s “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) saw several other significant victories this week:

​1.Edo State: A warehouse raid in Egbanke community led to the recovery of 1,378kg of skunk and the arrest of 37-year-old Roland Owie.

​2.Oyo State: Notorious dealer Ayantola Omodunmomi (alias Iya Elle) was arrested for using her 11-year-old daughter to deliver drugs; 45.6kg of skunk was seized.

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3.Adamawa State: A trailer was intercepted in Yola South carrying 48,000 pills of tramadol.

​4.Ondo & Benue: Massive seizures included 351kg of skunk from the Itaogbolu forest and 28,600 tramadol capsules in Aliade.

​A Warning to Cartels

​Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, commended the various commands for their evolving intelligence capabilities.

​”Whether they hide behind legitimate businesses, religious titles, or complex concealment methods, we will find them,” Marwa stated, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to choking the supply lines of international and local drug cartels.