NIGERIA: NDLEA Destroys 1.6 Million Kilograms Of Illicit Drugs, Largest In Agency’s History

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

In a record-setting anti-narcotics operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday destroyed 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.

This was confirmed in a press statement released by the agency signed by its Director Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Saturday.

According to the statement, the public destruction was held at an isolated site in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, marking the largest volume of illicit substances to be incinerated at once in the agency’s history.

The event, which drew the presence of government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies, international partners, and civil society groups, underscored NDLEA’s renewed efforts in the fight against drug trafficking.

Speaking at the event, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), declared the exercise as a firm statement of the agency’s resolve.

He said: “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. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence.”

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

Warning traffickers, Marwa sent a strong message that the era of impunity was over.

He added: “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 eradicating this menace. At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law.”

He revealed that within the last four years, 10,572 offenders had been successfully prosecuted and convicted.

Marwa, represented at the ceremony by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, emphasized the transparency of the public destruction.

Dr. Abdul explained; “The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking. 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 brought to closure.”

Dr. Abdul also described the operation as “the public destruction of the largest seized narcotics across a spectrum of commands under NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11,” which include the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun, Oyo, MMIA, Lagos Seaports, and the border commands of Idiroko and Seme.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd), also applauded the agency’s commitment.

He stated: “Their work in saving lives, in strengthening communities, and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated. We must invest in prevention through education, through counseling and youth empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support systems for those battling addiction.”

Marwa also extended gratitude to the governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo for supporting NDLEA operations in their respective domains.

He recognized local and international partners, including the US DEA, UK Border Force, German Police, French Police, First Bank, Fidelity Bank, and Sterling Bank—for their roles in strengthening the agency’s operations.

The agency concluded by reiterating its commitment to aggressive enforcement, community engagement, and international collaboration in curbing the menace of illicit drugs in Nigeria.