NDLEA Destroys N301bn Worth of Illicit Drugs in Lagos, Vows to Crush Cartels
Oru Leonard
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs worth an estimated N301.058 billion, in a major court-ordered operation in Lagos.
The destruction, carried out at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, on Monday, followed orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, and involved illicit substances linked to concluded uncontested cases and abandoned seizures.
The drugs, which were seized between April 2025 and May 2026, comprised cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, various strains of cannabis, including Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.
Of the total quantity destroyed, 246,864.535kg was recovered by the Lagos Strategic Command of the NDLEA, while 83,001.05kg was seized by the Agency’s Strategic Commands at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan and Apapa ports, Marine Command and Special Operations Unit.
Speaking at the exercise, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), described the destruction as a major demonstration of Nigeria’s determination to protect its citizens and deprive criminal networks of the resources required to operate.
Marwa said the huge volume of drugs destroyed represented not just contraband but thousands of potential victims, families and communities that could have been affected by addiction, crime and other consequences of drug abuse.
According to him, illicit drug trafficking also imposes enormous economic and security costs on the country by weakening the workforce, increasing healthcare expenditure, discouraging investment and diverting public resources.
The NDLEA boss further warned that the illicit drug trade remains closely connected to organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that every successful seizure weakens the financial capacity of criminal networks.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Agency’s mandate and acknowledged the contributions of the judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and members of the public.
Marwa also paid tribute to NDLEA officers and operatives, particularly those serving in Lagos, for their sacrifices and commitment to the fight against illicit drugs.
He issued a strong warning to drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers, declaring that the era of operating with impunity was over.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” Marwa said.
He vowed that the Agency would continue to dismantle criminal networks and target their financial backbone, while urging Nigerians, parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders and the media to play active roles in the national campaign against drug abuse.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the destruction of nearly 330 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a sobering indication of the scale of the drug threat confronting Nigerian communities and young people.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said the exercise also demonstrated what could be achieved when law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and government institutions worked together.
“Lagos State is unwavering in its resolve to confront drug abuse and trafficking, and we will not relent in our efforts to do this,” he said.
Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the NDLEA for its achievements and described the destruction as a strong warning to drug traffickers.
Adeniyi said the seizures reflected the scale of operations carried out at Nigeria’s seaports, airports and land borders, adding that drug trafficking also provides financial support for violent non-state actors.
He identified bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents and terrorists among those whose activities could be sustained by proceeds from illicit drug trafficking.
According to him, the destruction of the drugs would not only deprive traffickers of billions of naira in investments but also deny criminal groups the resources required to finance violent activities.
The Customs chief commended Marwa and NDLEA officers across the country for their efforts in intercepting illicit drugs and disrupting trafficking networks.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, also reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA and other agencies in combating illicit drug trafficking.
The exercise further underscored the growing inter-agency collaboration among Nigeria’s security and law enforcement institutions in tackling drug trafficking, organised crime and the financing of violent criminal activities.
