NDLEA Destroys ₦301 Billion Worth Of Drugs In Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at approximately ₦301.06 billion in Lagos State following orders from the Federal High Court.

According to Ireporter Online, the destruction exercise was carried out on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Navy Town in the Ojo area of Lagos.

The NDLEA said the drugs comprised substances linked to concluded court cases as well as abandoned seizures that had received approval for disposal.

Of the total quantity destroyed, 246,864.535 kilograms were seized by the agency’s Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026. Another 83,001.05 kilograms were recovered by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit.

The destroyed substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and various forms of cannabis, including Canadian Loud and skunk. Other seized substances included ephedrine, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, opioids and khat leaves.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the exercise demonstrated the agency’s continued determination to prevent illicit drugs from reaching communities and disrupt the financial networks supporting drug trafficking.

Marwa said the huge volume of drugs recovered represented thousands of potential cases of substance abuse and related criminal activities that could have affected young people, families and communities.

He further warned that the illicit drug trade has consequences beyond substance abuse, including increased pressure on healthcare services, reduced workforce productivity and additional strain on public resources.

According to him, proceeds from drug trafficking can also finance organised crime, terrorism and other violent activities, making the fight against illegal drugs an important part of the country’s broader security efforts.

The NDLEA chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its support and acknowledged the contributions of the Judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, security agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and members of the public.

He also praised NDLEA personnel across the country, particularly officers involved in operations in Lagos, for their dedication and the risks associated with their duties.

Marwa warned drug traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers that the agency would continue to pursue their activities and target the financial resources sustaining their criminal operations.

He stressed that the NDLEA would intensify efforts to dismantle drug networks irrespective of their size, structure or location.

The NDLEA boss also called for greater involvement from parents, schools, religious organisations, traditional leaders and the media in preventing drug abuse, stressing that the challenge requires a collective response.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also expressed support for the NDLEA’s efforts. Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said the volume of drugs destroyed highlighted the seriousness of the threat facing young people and communities.

Sanwo-Olu assured the agency of the state government’s continued cooperation with law enforcement bodies and other stakeholders in tackling drug trafficking and abuse across Lagos.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the NDLEA and noted that the seizures originated from different locations, including seaports, airports and land borders.

Adeniyi said drug trafficking was closely linked to other forms of violent crime because criminal organisations could use proceeds from the illegal trade to finance their activities.

He noted that the seizure and destruction of the drugs would deprive traffickers and criminal groups of access to substantial financial resources.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, also assured the NDLEA of the Nigerian Navy’s continued partnership in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.