In a significant international drug bust, Nigerian authorities have detained twenty-two Indian nationals. The arrests are directly linked to the seizure of a massive consignment of cocaine weighing over 31 kilograms.
Major Cocaine Haul Leads to Multiple Arrests
The operation was carried out by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria. The agency successfully intercepted the illicit drug shipment, which led them to the group of individuals now in custody. The detained persons are all Indian citizens, marking a notable incident involving foreign nationals in Nigeria's ongoing war against narcotics.
Supply Chain in Borno State Busted
In a connected and crucial development, the NDLEA also announced the dismantling of a key drug supply network operating in the northeastern state of Borno. As part of this crackdown, two local suppliers were arrested. Authorities confiscated large quantities of various illegal substances from them, effectively disrupting a major channel for distributing drugs within the region.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This twin operation highlights the scale and international links of the drug trade facing Nigerian agencies. The detention of 22 individuals from a single foreign country points to a potentially organized network. The NDLEA's actions on January 5, 2026, demonstrate a continued aggressive stance against both local distributors and international traffickers. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the network, including the source of the cocaine and its intended market.
The case has drawn attention to the collaboration between different wings of the Nigerian anti-drug force and underscores the global nature of the narcotics problem. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is likely to be involved in providing consular access and assistance to its detained nationals as legal proceedings advance.
