May 07, (THEWILL) — In one of the most extensive coordinated anti-narcotics operations in recent years, operatives of the Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), working in close collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and law enforcement agencies in Switzerland, France, and Greece, have dismantled a powerful transnational criminal organisation involved in large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering across Nigeria and Europe.
NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said the multi-jurisdictional operation led to the simultaneous arrest of a suspected billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland, and two alleged female kingpins, including 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi (arrested in Anambra State) and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi (arrested in Agbor, Delta State).
The arrests, executed on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, followed months of coordinated intelligence sharing, surveillance, and financial tracking across several countries.
Investigators disclosed that the syndicate operated a highly sophisticated laundering system built around layered financial transactions, shell and front companies, nominee accounts, and a hybrid structure of traditional banking channels and cryptocurrency platforms. The network allegedly moved and concealed hundreds of billions of naira in illicit proceeds linked to narcotics trafficking across multiple jurisdictions.
According to operational findings, Amadi Simon allegedly functioned as the central financial coordinator of the cartel, overseeing asset acquisition, fund transfers, and cross-border concealment strategies, while his associates managed regional logistics and laundering channels within Nigeria.
As part of the enforcement action, authorities have traced and secured several multi-billion-naira assets linked to the organisation. These include Jovi Hotel at 1 Isiayei Street, GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; and Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja. Multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets suspected of being used in laundering operations have also been identified, frozen, and placed under forensic review.
The NDLEA confirmed that ongoing financial intelligence operations are still uncovering additional assets, including offshore holdings and layered investments linked to the syndicate’s network.
The chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the operation as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s sustained war against drug trafficking and organised financial crime. He said the success of the mission reflects strengthened global cooperation and improved intelligence-driven enforcement capacity.
Marwa commended the United States DEA and other international partners for their technical, intelligence, and operational support, noting that sustained collaboration has enhanced the NDLEA’s ability to track complex financial flows and dismantle criminal enterprises.
“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide. Nigeria will not be a safe haven for drug cartels or a sanctuary for their illicit proceeds. We are determined to ensure that every layer of these criminal networks is exposed and dismantled”, Marwa stated.
He further reiterated that the agency’s strategy is anchored on intelligence sharing, international partnerships, and aggressive financial investigation aimed at stripping drug syndicates of their economic power base.
Marwa assured that NDLEA will continue to expand its cooperation with global law enforcement agencies to ensure that drug cartels and their financial ecosystems are completely neutralised.
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