The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs valued at an estimated N301.058 billion in Lagos State.
The drugs, which included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, Canadian Loud, skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves, were destroyed on Monday following a court order.
According to the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, authorised the exercise after the conclusion of uncontested cases involving some of the seized substances, as well as abandoned seizures.
Babafemi said 246,864.535kg of the drugs were intercepted by the agency’s Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026.
He added that the remaining 83,001.05kg came from operations conducted by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tin Can and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit.
Speaking during the destruction exercise, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), said the operation demonstrated the government’s determination to tackle drug trafficking and protect communities.
Marwa said, “This is a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its people and deny criminal enterprises the resources they need to thrive.”
He warned drug traffickers, dealers, financiers and distributors against assuming they could continue their activities without consequences.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA chairman also stressed that the consequences of drug trafficking extended beyond the illegal substances themselves, noting that drug abuse could affect families, communities, the economy and national security.
He linked proceeds from the illicit drug trade to organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism, while urging parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, the media and other stakeholders to support efforts against drug abuse.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the destruction of nearly 330 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a warning about the magnitude of the drug problem facing the country.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said, “The scale of what has been destroyed today, about 300 tons of narcotics and psychotropic substances, is a huge and sobering reminder of the enormity of the threat that illicit drugs pose to our communities, our young people, and our collective future.”
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preventing drug abuse and trafficking, saying Lagos would continue to work with relevant agencies to address the problem.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, also commended the NDLEA for its efforts, saying the destruction represented drugs intercepted across various entry points into the country.
Adeniyi said the exercise sent a clear warning to criminal groups involved in the trade.
“This therefore represents a very strong message to drug dealers that they are no longer welcome in Nigeria,” he said.
He further noted that proceeds from drug trafficking could provide financial support for violent groups, including bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents and terrorists.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, assured the NDLEA of the Navy’s continued support in the fight against illicit drugs.
The NDLEA said the destruction was part of its broader efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent seized substances from returning to circulation.
