By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday destroyed over 329,865 kilogrammes of illicit drugs worth ₦301 billion at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos. The court-ordered exercise disposed of uncontested concluded cases and abandoned drug seizures. The operation covered seizures made across Lagos between April 2025 and May 2026.
NDLEA Destroys Massive Drug Consignment
The destroyed narcotics came from several major NDLEA operations across Lagos. They included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and ephedrine.
The haul also contained khat leaves and several opioids. These included tramadol and codeine syrup.
In addition, officials destroyed different cannabis strains. They included Canadian Loud and skunk.
The Lagos Strategic Command contributed most of the destroyed drugs. It accounted for 246,864.535 kilogrammes.
Meanwhile, specialised units contributed another 83,001.05 kilogrammes. These units operated across key strategic locations in the state.
They included the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command. The Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands also made major contributions.
The Marine Command and Special Operations Unit equally contributed to the seizures.
Marwa Warns Drug Barons and Financiers
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), addressed the gathering at the incineration site.
Marwa described the destruction as a strong statement against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
He warned drug barons, financiers and their networks that law enforcement would pursue them.
He also stressed the wider impact of the agency’s anti-narcotics operations.
According to Marwa, intercepting drug shipments protects communities from addiction and impaired driving.
Furthermore, the seizures save the country billions of naira in healthcare expenses.
They also protect Nigeria’s workforce and strengthen national security.
Marwa said drug trafficking also finances violent extremism and organised crime. Therefore, disrupting the trade can weaken criminal networks.
Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Lagos’ Commitment
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also backed the campaign against illicit drugs.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, represented the governor at the event.
She described the destruction of more than 300 tonnes of drugs as a sobering reminder.
According to her, the volume highlights the scale of Nigeria’s illicit drug challenge.
She reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to tackling drug abuse. The state will continue working with federal security and law enforcement agencies.
Customs Links Drug Trade to Violent Crime
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted another danger linked to drug trafficking.
He connected the multibillion-naira drug trade to violent non-state actors.
Adeniyi said drug trafficking provides financial support for criminal groups across Nigeria.
He identified bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents and terrorists among the beneficiaries.
He described illegal drugs as the “oxygen” that sustains their activities.
According to him, destroying the seized drugs delivers two major blows.
First, traffickers lose investments worth billions of naira.
Second, violent groups lose access to funds that support criminal operations.
Navy Pledges Continued Support
The Nigerian Navy also reaffirmed its support for the NDLEA’s anti-drug campaign.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, sent a representative to the event.
Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, represented him.
He pledged continued military support for the nationwide anti-narcotics campaign.
He also stressed that destroying the drugs goes beyond eliminating illegal substances.
The exercise helps protect communities and strengthens Nigeria’s broader security efforts.
Inter-Agency Cooperation Drives Drug Fight
The event also highlighted cooperation among Nigeria’s security agencies.
Officials praised the growing synergy between the NDLEA and other government agencies.
Their collaboration has helped intercept large quantities of illicit drugs across Lagos.
Moreover, the agencies continue targeting the networks behind drug trafficking.
The latest destruction therefore reflects months of coordinated enforcement operations.
It also sends a warning to criminal syndicates operating across Nigeria.
The NDLEA says it will continue disrupting drug trafficking networks and protecting Nigerians from the consequences of illicit drugs.
