Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a notorious drug kingpin, Okpara Paul Chigozie, seven years after he was declared wanted for trafficking illicit substances.
Okpara, 60, was apprehended on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at his hideout located at 72 Michael Ojo Street, Isheri, in the Ojo area of Lagos State. He had been on the agency’s wanted list since 2019 for masterminding large-scale shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine to the South-East and other regions in Nigeria.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Monday, noting that the operation followed the interception of a major drug consignment earlier that morning.
“NDLEA operatives intercepted a white Toyota Sienna van at Ilasamaja along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway around 5:45 a.m.,” Babafemi said. “The driver, identified as 51-year-old Achebe Kenneth Nnamdi, was en route to Onitsha, Anambra State.”
A thorough search of the vehicle with the aid of sniffer dogs led to the discovery of 7.6 kilogrammes of cocaine and 900 grammes of methamphetamine concealed in hidden compartments.
The successful interception triggered a swift follow-up raid at Okpara’s residence in Isheri, where agents recovered an additional 1.8kg of cocaine and 1.3kg of methamphetamine.
NDLEA said Okpara’s arrest marks a significant breakthrough in its long-standing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across the country.
In recent weeks, the agency has intensified nationwide operations, leading to the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances and the arrest of multiple suspects in ongoing crackdowns.
