The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) has announced the seizure of large quantities of illicit opioids valued at over N16.9 billion in a major operation in Lagos State.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency said operatives uncovered illegal drug warehouses on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Park View Estate and Okota areas of Lagos.
The operation led to the recovery of 2,360,000 pills of high-strength tramadol (225mg) and 1,909,400 bottles of codeine syrup from three warehouses located at 98 Olukayode Awofisayo Street and 5 Charles Ndumetu Street in Park View Estate, Ago Palace Way, Okota.
The seized items were packed in thousands of cartons and are believed to be part of a large distribution network supplying illicit drugs across the country.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the operation as a significant blow to the pharmaceutical drug black market and a major disruption of a criminal syndicate.
He commended the operatives for what he called a “monumental victory” in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, noting that the scale of the seizure reflects the agency’s improved intelligence and enforcement capacity.
Marwa said the discovery of such large quantities hidden within residential estates highlights the desperation of drug cartels but also demonstrates the agency’s ability to track and dismantle them.
He reiterated that there is no safe haven for drug traffickers in Nigeria, warning that those involved in the illicit drug trade will be identified, their networks destroyed, and prosecuted under the law.
