African Eagle Transport Challenges Repeated NDLEA Interceptions, Extortion After Search Yields No Drugs
By Primetime Reports
The management of African Eagle Transport has accused officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, of alleged extortion following the interception and search of a truck conveying customers’ goods on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The company alleged that the incident, which reportedly resulted in the payment of ₦1 million before the goods were reloaded, was part of a pattern of repeated interceptions affecting shipping and cargo transportation businesses in Lagos and its environs.
The truck was reportedly intercepted following intelligence suggesting that it was carrying illicit drugs. However, representatives of the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Agents, who witnessed the search, said the officers failed to discover any illicit substances during the examination.
The task force intervened at the request of the truck owner to establish the reason for the detention and ensure that the search was conducted in accordance with the law.
Task Force Questions Search Procedure
Speaking during the intervention, Barrister Barnabas C. Okoro, a legal practitioner and National Legal Adviser of the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Agents, said the organisation accepted the NDLEA’s decision to search the vehicle because it recognised the agency’s statutory responsibility to combat drug trafficking.
He explained that the task force approached the officers upon arrival and was informed that the truck had been intercepted on suspicion of carrying illicit substances.
According to Okoro, the representatives did not obstruct the search but insisted that it be conducted in their presence.
He said the officers searched the truck for several hours but reportedly found nothing that could be classified as an illicit drug.
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Okoro, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the manual method of inspection, alleging that the officers assembled approximately 30 to 40 labourers to unload and examine the goods.
He argued that modern inspection procedures should incorporate appropriate scanning technology where available to minimise delays and prevent damage to legitimate consignments.
The legal adviser said some goods were reportedly handled roughly during the exercise, raising concerns about possible losses to the owners.
The situation became more difficult when heavy rainfall began during the search, leaving the company concerned about the condition of customers’ goods.
Okoro maintained that while the NDLEA had the right to investigate suspicious consignments, its operations should be conducted professionally and without unnecessary damage to property.
₦1 Million Payment Allegedly Made
The most serious allegation concerns the reported demand for and payment of ₦1 million before the goods were reloaded onto the truck.
According to the account provided to this reporter, the payment was allegedly made despite the search reportedly yielding no illicit drugs.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction, including who requested and received the money and whether any official documentation was issued, require further verification.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the NDLEA Lagos State Command should be given an opportunity to respond before publication.
Okoro said the transport company had complained about previous interceptions, which it alleged were disrupting its operations and, in some instances, involved extortion.
He explained that the task force intervened because the company wanted to establish why its trucks were repeatedly being intercepted.
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According to him, the organisation would not interfere with legitimate enforcement activities but would investigate complaints where there were indications of arbitrary action, extortion or other irregularities.
He also stressed that the task force would not protect any truck owner found to be violating the law.
Rainfall Forces Suspension of Search
During the operation, a representative of African Eagle Transport explained that the officers had examined a substantial portion of the consignment without discovering anything incriminating.
The representative estimated that between 50 and 70 per cent of the goods had been examined, although that estimate was not independently verified.
He said the company was concerned about leaving the goods exposed to the rain after several hours of searching.
According to him, the officers indicated that they would consult their superiors on whether the examination should continue the following day.
The company sought permission to reload the goods to prevent further exposure to the weather.
The reported outcome was that the goods were eventually reloaded after the alleged ₦1 million payment. The circumstances of the payment and the terms under which the goods were released remain matters requiring clarification.
Task Force Considers Further Action
Asked whether the organisation intended to initiate legal proceedings against the NDLEA, Okoro said the task force was an interventionist body and that further action would depend on the affected company’s decision and the details of any subsequent complaint.
He explained that the organisation had come to the scene at the truck owner’s invitation and would consider further steps if the company submitted a complaint supported by details of alleged extortion or damage to its goods.
Representatives present during the intervention included Lawal Alaba, National President; Chief Emeka Dennis, Founder and Board of Trustees member; Barrister Barnabas C. Okoro, National Legal Adviser; Hashim Adaba, Zonal Secretary, Seme Chapter; and A.O. Vincent, Head of Administration and Operations, alongside other members.
The organisation describes itself as an advocacy group committed to promoting transparency, accountability and lawful business practices in Nigeria’s maritime industry and border operations.
NDLEA’s Response Sought
The incident has raised questions about the handling of cargo inspections, the protection of customers’ property and the need for transparency when law enforcement agencies intercept commercial consignments.
While the NDLEA has a statutory responsibility to investigate suspected drug trafficking, allegations of unofficial payments and damage to legitimate goods warrant appropriate scrutiny.
The NDLEA Lagos State Command should clarify the intelligence that prompted the interception, the outcome of the search, the circumstances surrounding the reported ₦1 million payment and the procedure followed before the goods were released.
The agency’s response is essential to establishing a complete and balanced account of the incident. The allegations against its officers should not be treated as established facts without corroborating evidence.
African Eagle Transport, meanwhile, is seeking an end to what it describes as repeated and unnecessary interceptions of its trucks, which it says disrupt business operations and expose customers’ goods to potential losses.
The company’s determination to involve the National Compliance Joint Task Force reflects its stated intention to seek accountability and prevent a recurrence.
The reported extortion, payment and damage to goods remain allegations requiring independent verification and NDLEA’s response.
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