LAGOS, Nigeria — Operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force have uncovered a suspected major drug trafficking network in Lagos, seizing illicit substances valued at about ₦7.8 billion and arresting several suspects, including an alleged kingpin.
The raid was carried out at an apartment inside an estate in Mende, Maryland, following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering by police operatives. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, said the operation involved officers of the Special Protection Unit working with divisional police detectives.
Police identified the prime suspect as 41-year-old Eke Henry Ifeanyi, who was allegedly using a three-bedroom apartment to store and distribute hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis. Reports said 425 bags of the substance were recovered during the operation.
Addressing journalists at the scene, AIG Jimoh said the suspect was arrested on May 19 after weeks of monitoring. He said the operation was based on intelligence and technical support, adding that police moved quickly to secure the area and prevent suspects from escaping or interfering with evidence.
Jimoh also alleged that the suspect attempted to bribe the SPU commander with ₦500 million to compromise the operation and allow the drug consignment to be moved elsewhere. He said the bribe offer was rejected and documented as part of the ongoing investigation.
Items reportedly recovered from the apartment included two electric vehicles with forged presidency number plates, one hybrid vehicle, three Android phones, a Liberian residence permit card, ATM cards and an Emporio Armani wristwatch.
The police described the raid as an example of intelligence-led policing and renewed operational discipline within the force. Jimoh said the collaboration between specialised units and divisional teams showed the importance of combining technical surveillance with community-level policing to fight organised crime.
Police authorities said the seized exhibits had been documented and would be tendered in court. The suspects remain in custody while investigators work to identify other members of the alleged trafficking network.
The operation comes amid growing concern over the spread of synthetic drugs and high-grade cannabis in Nigerian cities. Security agencies have repeatedly warned that drug trafficking is linked to wider criminal activity, including cult violence, armed robbery and cross-border organised crime.
Police said further arrests are expected as the investigation expands beyond the Lagos apartment.
