NDLEA Seizes 'Terror Drug' Captagon in Kwara, Arrests Suspects Nationwide

In a significant victory against the scourge of illicit narcotics, Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a substantial consignment of Captagon pills in Kwara State. This operation, part of a broader nationwide sweep targeting drug trafficking networks, underscores the agency's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation from dangerous substances.

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Captagon – an amphetamine widely associated with militant groups in the Middle East.

The intercepted Captagon, a stimulant notorious for its association with militant groups in the Middle East, was found in the possession of Nasiru Mu’azu, a 33-year-old passenger. The seizure of 10,000 pills marks a concerning resurgence of this drug in Nigeria, nearly five years after its initial interception. Captagon's reputation as a 'terror drug' stems from its ability to induce aggression and reduce fear, making it a substance exploited by extremist organizations to sustain combat operations.

NDLEA's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, detailed the operation, highlighting that the street value of the seized Captagon could reach as high as $25 per pill. This interdiction is not an isolated incident; it is embedded within a larger, multi-pronged offensive across the country. Operations in other states, including Oyo, Edo, Lagos, and Bauchi, have led to the arrest of numerous suspects and the seizure of vast quantities of other drugs, such as cocaine, tramadol, and cannabis, as well as explosive materials.

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The seizure marks a renewed attempt by traffickers to reintroduce the drug into Nigeria nearly five years after its first recorded interception at Apapa seaport in Lagos.

This comprehensive crackdown reflects Nigeria's proactive stance against drug trafficking, which poses a severe threat to national security and public health. The NDLEA's efforts, particularly in intercepting a drug linked to international terrorism, demonstrate the critical role the agency plays in combating both domestic and transnational criminal activities. The successful operations send a clear message that Nigeria will not be a transit or consumption hub for dangerous narcotics, reinforcing its dedication to a drug-free society.

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Captagon, often referred to as a “terror drug,” is known for inducing prolonged wakefulness, heightened aggression, and reduced fear, making it a substance reportedly exploited by extremist groups, including Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), to sustain combat operations.