NDLEA Destroys Largest Seizure Of 1.6 Million Kilograms Of Illicit Drugs In Lagos, Ogun, Oyo

THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilograms, comprising assorted substances seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.

This represents the largest volume of seizures to be destroyed at once in the Agency’s history.

The public destruction, witnessed by representatives of government, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, NGOs, and community leaders, was carried out at an isolated location in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, on Saturday, 12th April 2025.

Some of the drugs destroyed include 123 kilograms of cocaine, 46.8 kilograms of heroin, 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis, 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup, 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol, 1,544 kilograms of skuchies, and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), stated that the exercise is a testament to the Agency’s unwavering commitment to combating the scourge of drug trafficking in Nigeria.

“The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed.

The NDLEA operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble, and we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence,” he said.

He warned those still involved in drug trafficking that the era of impunity is over. “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace.

At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law. In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”

Marwa also expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support of the NDLEA’s Commands and operations in their respective states.

Represented at the occasion by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr Ibrahim Abdul, the NDLEA boss explained the rationale behind the public destruction of the confiscated drugs.

 “The rationale is simple: to demonstrate transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking. This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in evidence.

Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items. The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been concluded, following arrests and successful prosecution,” he stated.

He added that the event marked a significant milestone in the Agency’s history, being the public destruction of the largest quantity of seized narcotics from multiple commands under NDLEA Zones 9 and 11. These include the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border Command, and Seme Border Command.

 “While this accomplishment reflects our determination, it also underscores the scale of the challenge we continue to face,” he said.

While commending the unwavering dedication of NDLEA officers “who are working tirelessly to ensure that we do not fail in our assigned task of curbing illicit drug trafficking,” Marwa also acknowledged the contributions of local and international partners to the Agency’s success.

“Our international partners—including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US; United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK; the French Police; the German Police, and others—continue to play pivotal roles in bolstering our efforts. I am also deeply grateful to First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and other stakeholders including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, NAFDAC, and many others for their support. This embodies the collaborative spirit necessary for effective drug control in society,” he added.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun—represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd)—commended the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA for their courage, professionalism, and consistent efforts in intercepting illicit drugs before they reach communities and streets. “Their work in saving lives, strengthening communities, and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated,” he stated, adding that the state government remains a committed partner in the fight against drug-related crime.

While noting that the drug scourge represents a social, economic, and public health crisis, Governor Abiodun said, “We must invest in prevention through education, counselling, and youth empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support systems for those battling addiction.”