Tinubu Praises NDLEA For Crushing Nigeria’s Biggest Secret Meth Lab

According to Ireporter Online, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling what authorities described as Nigeria’s largest clandestine methamphetamine production facility.

The illicit laboratory, hidden within a forest in Ogun State, was reportedly run by a Nigerian drug kingpin who brought in three Mexican nationals to oversee production operations. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed that drugs and chemicals worth an estimated $362.9 million (about N480 billion) were recovered during the operation.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the NDLEA for its professionalism, bravery, and commitment to combating drug-related crimes, describing the operation as a strong demonstration of the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on organised crime.

He noted that the raid led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local collaborators, and the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances and precursor chemicals. The President also warned that West Africa is increasingly becoming a transit hub for drug trafficking networks moving cocaine, synthetic drugs, and unregulated pharmaceuticals to Europe and North America.

NDLEA operations revealed that the forest-based laboratory, located in Abidagba Forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area, was raided on May 16, 2026, by the agency’s Special Operations Unit. The suspects reportedly included three Mexican nationals and several Nigerians allegedly involved in the production network.

Further coordinated raids in Lagos led to the arrest of additional suspects linked to the cartel, including an alleged kingpin identified as Anochili Innocent. Authorities also recovered international passports, mobile phones, and other materials believed to connect him to the foreign operatives.

In total, 10 suspects are currently in custody, while over 2,400 kilogrammes of methamphetamine-related substances and chemicals were seized during the operations.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to actively support the fight against drug trafficking by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that national security is a collective responsibility. He reaffirmed that individuals involved in threatening public safety will face the full weight of the law.