Nigeria Police Seize Cannabis Worth N7.8Billion In Lagos As Suspect Offers N500Million Bribe

The raid, carried out at an apartment within a residential estate in Mende, Maryland, also led to the arrest of several suspects, including the alleged kingpin, Eke Henry Ifeanyi, 41.

Operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force, in a coordinated operation involving the Special Protection Unit (SPU) and divisional detectives, have dismantled a suspected drug trafficking network in Lagos, recovering hundreds of bags of cannabis strain known as Canadian Loud reportedly valued at N7.8 billion.

The raid, carried out at an apartment within a residential estate in Mende, Maryland, also led to the arrest of several suspects, including the alleged kingpin, Eke Henry Ifeanyi, 41.

Police said the illicit substances were discovered inside his residence.

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According to authorities, the operation was intelligence-driven and executed after months of surveillance on the suspect.

Addressing journalists at the scene on Saturday, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, said the command had been monitoring the suspect since May 19 before moving in for the arrest.

He further disclosed that during the operation, the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the Special Protection Unit commander with ₦500 million in a bid to halt the raid and gain time to relocate the drugs.

The suspect offered a bribe of ₦500 million to the SPU commander in an attempt to make the team stand down and allow him contact his associates to move the consignment elsewhere,” Jimoh said.

He added that the offer was immediately rejected and formally documented for investigation.

AIG Jimoh said the operation reflected the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force’s intelligence-led policing strategy under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, noting that specialised units such as the SPU played a critical role in rapid response and containment.

He explained that the deployment model ensured perimeter security during raids, reliance on long-term intelligence gathering, and strict professional conduct among officers, including prompt reporting of attempted inducement.

According to him, the success of the operation demonstrated improved coordination between tactical units and divisional commands in tackling organised drug trafficking networks.

Reacting to the operation, IGP Olatunji Disu said, “The success validates the ongoing redeployment of personnel to divisions and units across Lagos and Ogun.”

“Policing must be close to the people, and our specialized units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground,” he further said.

The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect. It shows that when you put your best foot forward at the grassroots, you get results and restore public trust.”

The IGP added that his administration will continue to reward integrity and hold officers accountable to the same standard.

Exhibits recovered during the raid have been documented and will be presented in court.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to identify other members of the network.