In a major blow to criminal syndicates operating in Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed more than 329,865 kilogrammes of illicit drugs valued at approximately N301 billion.
The public destruction was carried out on Monday at Navy Town in the Ojo area of Lagos following a court order to dispose of drugs linked to concluded and uncontested cases, as well as abandoned seizures.
The destroyed narcotics included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ephedrine, khat leaves and various opioids, including tramadol and codeine syrup.
The haul also comprised different strains of cannabis, including “Canadian Loud” and skunk.
Seizures from Lagos operations
The drugs were seized during operations conducted across Lagos between April 2025 and May 2026.
The NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command accounted for the bulk of the seizures, contributing 246,864.535 kilogrammes.
Another 83,001.05 kilogrammes were seized by specialised units operating in the state, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit.
‘Their days of impunity are over’
Speaking at the incineration site, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the destruction as a demonstration of Nigeria’s determination to protect its citizens and disrupt criminal networks.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you, and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” Marwa warned drug barons and financiers.
He said the destruction of the drugs went beyond eliminating contraband, noting that drug seizures help protect communities from addiction and impaired driving while reducing potential healthcare costs and safeguarding the workforce.
Marwa also said disrupting the illicit drug trade was critical to national security, as proceeds from narcotics trafficking could be used to finance violent extremism and organised crime.
‘Denying terrorists their oxygen’
The collaboration between the NDLEA and other security agencies was also highlighted at the event.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the destruction of the drugs as a “sobering reminder of the enormity of the threat” posed by illicit drugs.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to tackling drug abuse in collaboration with federal security agencies.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, linked the illicit drug trade to the activities of violent non-state actors in the country.
“Bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents, terrorists—this is their oxygen,” Adeniyi said.
He said the destruction was symbolic of the losses suffered by drug traffickers and the disruption of a potential source of funding for violent groups.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, also pledged the military’s continued support for the NDLEA’s nationwide campaign against illicit drugs.
