In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, illicit drug cartels continue to thrive, operating openly despite ongoing crackdowns by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The illegal trade involves a range of substances, from marijuana and tramadol to ice and crack cocaine, circulating in broad daylight and often changing hands in busy neighborhoods.
Despite frequent raids and seizures, drug dealers have proven highly adaptive, regrouping and shifting their bases to evade law enforcement. Recent operations have seen NDLEA officers ambushed and injured during raids, highlighting the dangers faced by operatives and the resilience of the cartels. In one such incident, three NDLEA officers were shot and hospitalized after targeting a notorious drug hub in the Jahi area of Abuja.
The NDLEA has intensified its efforts, intercepting large consignments of drugs and making high-profile arrests in Abuja and across the country. In January, a 40-foot trailer loaded with over two tonnes of skunk was seized in the Federal Capital Territory, alongside vehicles and suspects. Additional raids have uncovered cocaine, cannabis, and opioids, with arrests extending to key figures in the trade.
Despite these successes, the cartels continue to exploit gaps in enforcement, sometimes operating “under the noses” of authorities. Some observers point to the need for greater support, resources, and collaboration among security agencies to disrupt these networks more effectively. NDLEA leadership has called for increased funding and legislative backing to address infrastructure and operational challenges, emphasizing the importance of sustained pressure on drug syndicates.
The ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Abuja underscores the complexity of the problem, with cartels constantly evolving their tactics and leveraging local knowledge to stay ahead of law enforcement. The NDLEA’s campaign combines enforcement with advocacy and education, aiming to reduce both supply and demand for illicit substances in the capital and nationwide.
