NDLEA Destroys 1.6 Million Kilograms of Seized Illicit Drugs in Historic Operation
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has carried out its largest-ever destruction of seized illicit substances, burning approximately 1.6 million kilograms of assorted drugs confiscated across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the destruction exercise took place on April 12, 2025, at a secure site in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. The event was witnessed by a cross-section of stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, religious figures, security agencies, international partners, civil society groups, and community leaders.
Among the drugs incinerated were:
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 (a local illicit cocktail)
111kg of methamphetamine, among others.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the operation as a strong signal of the agency’s unyielding resolve to eliminate drug trafficking in Nigeria.
“This staggering quantity of destroyed drugs underscores the enormous threat posed by narcotics to public health and national security. Our mandate is clear: to render these substances useless and out of reach. We approach this task with the highest level of seriousness and commitment,” he said.
Marwa, who was represented by Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), emphasized that the public destruction of the drugs serves to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and the agency’s commitment to justice. He noted that each consignment was subjected to laboratory testing and legal verification before being destroyed with court approval.
The exercise covered seizures made by multiple NDLEA units under Zone 9 and Zone 11, which include the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun and Oyo State Commands, MMIA Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko, and Seme Border Commands.
“This milestone reflects both our commitment and the scale of the challenge before us,” Abdul added.
The NDLEA has made significant strides in its enforcement efforts, with over 10,572 convictions secured in the past four years.
Marwa also acknowledged the ongoing support of state governments and thanked Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) for their cooperation in supporting NDLEA’s work across their jurisdictions.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd), commended the NDLEA’s professionalism and perseverance.
“The agency’s work has saved countless lives and protected communities. Drug abuse is not only a criminal issue but a public health and social crisis. Prevention through education, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment is essential,” the governor said.
The NDLEA also expressed gratitude to both local and international partners, including:
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
U.S. INL Bureau
UK Border Force and National Crime Agency
French and German police
As well as institutions like First Bank, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, NAFDAC, and many others.
Marwa concluded by reaffirming that the NDLEA will continue to press forward with its mission, leaving no space for drug traffickers in Nigeria.
