NDLEA DESTROYS COCAINE, HEROIN, OPIOIDS, OTHERS WORTH N301BN IN LAGOS (PHOTOS)
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
In a major blow to criminal syndicates operating in Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed over 329,865 kilogrammes of illicit drugs valued at approximately ₦301 billion.
The public destruction, carried out on Monday at Navy Town in the Ojo area of Lagos, followed a court order to dispose of drugs linked to concluded, uncontested cases as well as abandoned seizures.
The massive haul comprised various narcotics, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ephedrine, khat leaf, and opioids such as tramadol and codeine syrup.
It also included different strains of cannabis, notably “Canadian Loud” and skunk.
Strategic Seizures
The destroyed narcotics were seized during intensive operations conducted across Lagos between April 2025 and May 2026.
The Lagos Strategic Command of the NDLEA accounted for the bulk of the drugs, contributing 246,864.535 kilogrammes.
A further 83,001.05 kilogrammes were intercepted by specialised units operating within the state, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit.
‘Their Days Of Impunity Are Over’
Speaking at the incineration site, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the destruction as a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s determination to protect its citizens and disrupt criminal enterprises.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you, and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” Marwa warned drug barons and financiers.
He stressed that the destruction represented more than the elimination of illegal substances.
Marwa said the seizures would help protect communities from addiction and impaired driving while saving the country billions of naira in healthcare costs, safeguarding the labor force, and strengthening national security by cutting off funding for violent extremism and organised crime.
Cutting “Oxygen” Of Terrorism
The collaboration between the NDLEA and other security agencies was a major focus of the event, with senior government and security officials commending the joint efforts.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the destruction of the drugs as a “sobering reminder of the enormity of the threat” posed by illicit drugs.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to tackling drug abuse in collaboration with federal agencies.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the link between the multibillion-naira illicit drug trade and the activities of violent non-state actors in the country.
“Bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents, terrorists—this is their oxygen,” Adeniyi stated. “The destruction we are witnessing today is symbolic of two things: drug dealers are losing investments worth billions of naira, and we are denying non-state violent actors the necessary oxygen they need for their heinous crimes.”
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, also pledged the military’s continued support for the NDLEA’s nationwide anti-narcotics campaign.
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