Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 1.6 million kilograms of various illicit drugs in what it says is the largest single volume of narcotics ever destroyed at one time in the agency’s history.
The vast haul, which included 123kg of cocaine, 46.8kg of heroin, 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis, 148,000kg of codeine syrup, and significant quantities of tramadol, skuchies, and methamphetamine, was destroyed at a remote site in Ipara, Ogun State, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The drugs were seized by NDLEA operatives in Zone 9 and Zone 11, which cover key areas including Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states, as well as the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and various border commands.
Speaking at the destruction event on Saturday, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retired), said the exercise underscored the agency’s unwavering commitment to ending drug trafficking in Nigeria. Represented by Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, General Marwa described the destruction as both symbolic and scientifically verified, carried out with full court approval after thorough forensic analysis.
“This massive volume of seizures serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illicit drugs to public health and national security,” he stated. “We are sending a clear message—there is no room for drug traffickers in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration remains firm in its resolve to eradicate this menace, and the NDLEA will not relent in bringing offenders to justice.”
General Marwa disclosed that the agency had secured over 10,500 convictions related to drug trafficking offences in the past four years, attributing this success to revitalized operational strategies and the support of the Nigerian judiciary.
He also expressed gratitude to the governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states for their ongoing support of NDLEA operations within their jurisdictions. Furthermore, he acknowledged the contributions of international partners, including the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the UK’s National Crime Agency and Border Force, the French and German police, as well as Nigerian financial institutions and the country’s military and paramilitary forces.
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, represented at the event, commended the NDLEA for its professionalism and determination in intercepting dangerous substances. He emphasized the importance of investing in drug prevention, education, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment.
“The NDLEA’s courage and consistency in intercepting dangerous substances before they reach our communities is saving lives,” Governor Abiodun said. “The Ogun State Government is proud to stand with the Agency in this vital battle.”
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