Several individuals have already been apprehended as part of this criminal syndicate, shedding light on the depth of the operation. Among those in custody are Falowo Samuel Kayode, a clearing and notify party for the two containers; Anjorin Idowu, a dock worker; and Uzairu Ahmed Iguda, in charge of the Five Star terminal at the port. Notably, another dock worker at the terminal, Mohammed Muktar Sule (alias organizer), linked to the syndicate, is currently evading arrest.

The NDLEA, acting on credible intelligence, requested a 100 percent joint examination of two containers marked MSCU 4581770 and TRHU 7968071 from South Africa. The examination, conducted on January 18th and 19th, 2024, revealed a staggering 56.39kg of cocaine and 795kg of Colorado, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, alongside other illicit items.

In response to a tasking order from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), a specialized team continued investigations, leading to the discovery of additional bags of Colorado weighing 192.7kg, a pistol, and rounds of ammunition concealed in an empty container. This container, MSCU 4581770, had been subjected to a 100 percent joint examination at the Five Star terminal. Subsequently, Uzairu Ahmed Iguda and Anjorin Idowu, both associated with the terminal, were arrested. Another suspect, Mohammed Muktar Sule (alias organizer), is currently at large. Investigations have revealed that the three suspects collaborated with the clearing and notify party, Falowo Samuel Kayode, to transfer the 192.7kg of Colorado, the pistol, and the rounds of ammunition from the container to an empty one in the terminal.

This recent seizure brings the total contraband recovered from the two containers to a staggering 56.39kg of cocaine and 987.9kg of Colorado, with a combined weight of 1,044.29kg. The investigation has further exposed three kingpins believed to be based in South Africa and connected to the smuggling operation. Odeyemi Taiwo Emmanuel, Akinyemi Olayinka, and Adebayo Adewole Emmanuel are now on the NDLEA's wanted list.

The NDLEA remains committed to dismantling such criminal networks and safeguarding the nation from the menace of drug and arms trafficking.