The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has carried out a public destruction of 329,865.585 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs worth an estimate of N301,058,076,000 only in street value at Navy Town in Ojo area of Lagos on Monday, 17th August following an order from the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.
According to the NDLEA released statement, 246,864.535 kilograms of the total consignment were seized by the Lagos Strategic Command of the Agency between April 2025 and May 2026, while 83,001.05 kilograms came from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, as well as the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit, all of which are Lagos based.
The statement also revealed that the destroyed illicit drugs were an assorted mix of mainly cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis of different strains including Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup and other opioids, as well as khat leaf.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), while speaking at the event described the exercise as Nigeria commitment towards its citizens, noting that illicit drugs are destroyers of young lives, families and communities.
“A bold demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its people and deny criminal enterprises the resources they need to thrive”
According to him, the destroyed consignment represented more than the elimination of contraband, emphasizing the strain that illicit drugs put on the labour force, healthcare and how they discourage investment and drain public resources that should go into national development.
Furthermore, he linked the trade in illicit drugs to Nigeria’s broader security challenges, as it funds crimes that dent the country’s image internationally, adding that NDLEA is strengthening the country’s national security architecture.
He gave accolade to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his support and to the Judiciary, the Lagos State Government, the military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society, traditional institutions, the media and members of the public, for their contributions towards the Agency’s success.
He also commended NDLEA personnel across the country, particularly those serving in Lagos. He issued a warning to drug barons, and other involved criminals
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin spoke at the event, expressing appreciation for the triumph of justice
“It is also, in equal measure, a powerful testament to what becomes possible when law enforcement, the judiciary, and the government work hand in hand, not merely to enforce the law, but to uphold justice, protect society, and secure a better future for our people. It reminds us that when institutions unite around a shared purpose, the law becomes more than an instrument of enforcement.”he said.
The Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, while delivering his goodwill message, highlighted that the NDLEA deserves all the accolades they have received from local and international partners.
He acknowledged the relationship between drug dealers and violent on-state actors as drugs continue fuel their crimes. He stated that the job done by NDLEA passes strong message across.
“It is not just about the size of what we are seeing but about the scope of what has been taken from operations conducted in our seaports, at our airports, at our land borders. This therefore represents a very strong message to drug dealers that they are no longer welcome in Nigeria.”he stated.
Speaking in the same vein, the FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha who represented the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas affirmed the continued support for Nigeria’s drug control efforts being coordinated by NDLEA.