……Destroys Record 1.6 Million Kilograms of Illicit Drugs in Lagos, Ogun,and Oyo
In a historic move, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed approximately 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States—the largest single volume of narcotics ever incinerated in the Agency’s history.
The public destruction exercise, conducted on Saturday, April 12, 2025, took place at an isolated site in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. It was witnessed by government officials, traditional rulers, clergy, security agencies, international partners, NGOs, and community leaders.
The illicit substances destroyed included 123kg of cocaine, 46.8kg of heroin, 1.4 million kg of cannabis, 148,000kg of codeine syrup, 3,244.26kg of tramadol, 1,544kg of skuchies, and 111kg of methamphetamine.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
“This record-breaking seizure underscores the grave danger these substances pose to public health and national security. The NDLEA operates with a clear mandate to eradicate narcotics from our society—and we carry out this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence,” Marwa stated.
He issued a strong warning to drug traffickers and barons, stressing that there would be no sanctuary for those involved in the illicit drug trade under the current administration.
“To those still engaged in drug trafficking: the times have changed. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the political will to stamp out this menace is firm and resolute. The NDLEA is fully prepared to pursue and prosecute those who break the law. In the last four years alone, we have secured convictions for 10,572 offenders,” he declared.
Representing the NDLEA boss at the event, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, explained that the public destruction exercise demonstrated transparency and accountability in the Agency’s operations.
“This isn’t a symbolic gesture—it’s a forensic process backed by evidence. Each batch of substances is authenticated through random lab tests, and destroyed only after obtaining court approval following arrests and successful prosecution,” he said.
Dr. Abdul highlighted that the narcotics were seized from multiple commands under NDLEA Zones 9 and 11, including the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun and Oyo State Commands, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, and the Idiroko and Seme Border Commands.
“This milestone reflects both our determination and the scale of the ongoing challenge we face,” he added.
He commended the dedication of NDLEA personnel and expressed gratitude to both local and international partners for their continued support.
“We’re especially grateful to partners like the US Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA), the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL), the UK Border Force, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the French and German Police, as well as key Nigerian stakeholders including the military, customs, police, civil defence, NAFDAC, immigration, and road safety corps,” he said.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd), praised NDLEA’s professionalism and sustained efforts in preventing illicit drugs from reaching communities.
“The Agency’s role in saving lives, strengthening communities, and upholding the rule of law cannot be overstated. We remain committed partners in this fight,” he noted.
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Governor Abiodun emphasized the need to address drug abuse as a social, economic, and public health crisis.
“We must invest in prevention—through education, counselling, and youth empowerment. Equally, we must enhance rehabilitation centers and provide robust support systems for those struggling with addiction,” he said.
