NDLEA seizes $250,000 worth of drugs in Kwara

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a significant consignment of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine often referred to as the terror drug, in Kwara State.

This marks a rare and concerning recovery of the substance in Nigeria, following the first-ever African seizure recorded at the Apapa seaport in Lagos nearly five years ago.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, described Captagon as a potent stimulant widely circulated across the Middle East.

The drug is known to produce an intense euphoric state, allowing users to remain awake for several days while inducing a sense of fearlessness.

Babafemi warned that the substance predisposes users to reckless behavior, posing a severe threat to public safety.

The agency further explained that the production and distribution of Captagon are frequently controlled by militias and criminal organizations linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The trade serves a dual purpose, generating funds for weapons and combatants, while also functioning as a stimulant to sustain fighters during conflict.

The latest seizure occurred on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, when officers on patrol along the Bode Saadu road in Kwara State intercepted a passenger trailer.

A search of 33-year-old passenger Nasiru Mu’azu led to the discovery of 10,000 Captagon pills and nine packets of Tapentadol (250mg).

With a street value of approximately $25 per pill, the Captagon shipment alone is estimated to be worth $250,000.

In a separate operation at the same patrol point on Friday, April 24, NDLEA officers intercepted another trailer.

A thorough search revealed a false compartment constructed beneath the vehicle, which contained 155,900 tramadol capsules, 6,000 ampoules of tramadol injection, 3,000 Co-Codamol tablets, and 9,000 Bromazepam tablets.

A 24-year-old suspect, Aminu Isah, was taken into custody in connection with this second recovery.