By Our Correspondent
National News – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered military-grade ammunition hidden inside bags of garri and thousands of tramadol 225mg tablets concealed in a keg of red palm oil during coordinated anti-narcotics operations on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the interception occurred in different locations, with one shipment containing ammunition disguised in food supplies and another hiding controlled drugs in edible oil containers.
Security experts warned that such concealment methods reflect evolving smuggling tactics that exploit everyday commodities, while NDLEA says Nigeria’s porous transport systems are being used for illegal movement of contraband.
The agency has intensified surveillance, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and urged the public to report suspicious activities to help curb drug trafficking and illegal arms circulation nationwide.
Officials noted that the use of food items like garri and palm oil for smuggling poses serious public safety risks, as it makes detection difficult and increases the chances of illicit substances entering local markets undetected.
The NDLEA said such tactics endanger both consumers and national security infrastructure.
Authorities also called for improved cargo screening technologies, stronger border checks, and greater public awareness to identify suspicious packaging and disrupt criminal supply chains across the country.
NDLEA reiterated its commitment to sustained nationwide operations aimed at dismantling trafficking networks and reducing the circulation of illicit drugs and illegal weapons.
The agency stressed that intelligence-led policing and inter-agency cooperation remain key strategies in addressing emerging concealment methods.
It added that ongoing investigations will continue to track the sources and destinations of the intercepted consignments, while ensuring that suspects involved face prosecution under Nigerian law.
Operations remain active across multiple states. Officials say further updates will be released as investigations progress.
