In what has been described as the largest single destruction of narcotics in its history, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has incinerated over 1.6 million kilograms of various illicit drugs seized from multiple operations across South-Western Nigeria.
The drugs, which included cocaine, heroin, cannabis, methamphetamine, tramadol, codeine syrup, and a locally mixed psychoactive substance known as skuchies, were destroyed at a secure site in Ipara, situated along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. The event, carried out with full court approval and after comprehensive forensic audits, marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
Speaking during the exercise on Saturday, the Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), reiterated the agency’s commitment to purging the country of illicit drugs. Represented by the Director of Assets and Financial Investigations, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Marwa noted that the destruction was not only a scientific process but also a symbolic act, underscoring the agency’s resolve to dismantle drug networks threatening national security and public health.
The vast haul included approximately 123 kilograms of cocaine, 46.8 kilograms of heroin, 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis, 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup, 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol, 1,544 kilograms of skuchies, and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine, among others. These were recoveries made from NDLEA’s Zone 9 and Zone 11 formations—covering Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo State Commands, as well as operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and key border locations.
“This monumental destruction sends a resounding message to drug cartels: there is no hiding place for traffickers within Nigeria,” Marwa declared. He emphasized that the renewed zeal of the NDLEA, buoyed by strategic support from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has led to over 10,000 convictions for drug-related offenses in the past four years.
Appreciation was also extended to the state governments of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo, led respectively by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and Seyi Makinde, for their consistent support of NDLEA operations. Marwa acknowledged the critical backing from international partners, including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and Border Force, as well as law enforcement bodies from France and Germany.
Further commendations were given to Nigerian financial institutions like First Bank, Fidelity Bank, and Sterling Bank for their collaboration in intelligence sharing and tracing illicit financial flows connected to drug trafficking.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (retd), praised the professionalism and dedication of the NDLEA. He called for a broader approach to combating drug abuse through investment in education, rehabilitation centres, and youth-focused programmes aimed at preventing drug dependency before it starts.
“The NDLEA’s doggedness in intercepting these harmful substances before they get to our streets is nothing short of lifesaving,” he remarked. “As a state, we stand firm with the Agency in this critical war to safeguard our communities.”
With this massive destruction of seized narcotics, the NDLEA has not only broken another record but also deepened its stance against the illicit drug trade—a menace it vows to continue eradicating with full force and international collaboration.
Leave feedback about this