NDLEA Destroys 329,865kg of Illicit Drugs Worth N301bn in Lagos
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has publicly destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs with an estimated street value of N301.058 billion in a court-ordered exercise in Lagos.
The destruction exercise, conducted on Monday, August 17, 2026, followed orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, covering concluded uncontested cases and abandoned drug seizures.
Of the total quantity destroyed, 246,864.535kg were seized by the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026, while another 83,001.05kg were recovered by the Agency’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command and Special Operations Unit, all operating in Lagos.
The illicit substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis varieties such as Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.
Speaking at the exercise held at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), described the destruction as a significant demonstration of Nigeria’s determination to protect its citizens and disrupt criminal networks profiting from illicit drugs.
Marwa noted that behind every kilogram of narcotics seized is a potential threat to lives, families and communities, stressing that drug abuse contributes to addiction, crime, impaired driving and other social problems.
He further warned that the illicit drug trade has wider economic and security consequences, including weakening the workforce, increasing healthcare costs, discouraging investment and diverting public resources that could otherwise be channelled into education, healthcare and infrastructure.
According to him, drug trafficking also contributes to organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism by providing financial resources for criminal networks.
The NDLEA Chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the administration’s support for the Agency’s mandate, while also acknowledging the contributions of the judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and members of the public.
He also praised NDLEA officers across the country, particularly personnel operating in Lagos, for their dedication and sacrifices in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
Marwa issued a stern warning to drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers, declaring that the Agency would continue to pursue and dismantle their networks.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” he warned.
He, however, stressed that the fight against illicit drugs cannot be won by the NDLEA alone, calling on parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, the media and other Nigerians to become active partners in combating drug abuse and trafficking.
Sanwo-Olu: Destruction Shows Scale of Drug Threat
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the destruction of nearly 330 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a sobering indication of the scale of the drug threat facing communities and young people.
The governor commended the collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and government institutions, stressing that coordinated action is essential to protecting society and securing the future of Nigerians.
He assured that Lagos State would remain committed to tackling drug abuse and trafficking.
Customs: Drug Traffickers No Longer Welcome
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, also commended the NDLEA for its efforts, noting that the seized drugs represented the outcome of operations conducted across Nigeria’s seaports, airports and land borders.
He said the destruction sends a strong message to drug traffickers that they are no longer welcome in Nigeria.
Adeniyi further highlighted the connection between drug trafficking and violent non-state actors, including bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents and terrorists.
He said disrupting the illicit drug trade would also deprive such groups of an important source of financial support.
Navy Reaffirms Support
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s continued support for the country’s drug-control efforts under the coordination of the NDLEA.
The massive destruction exercise underscores the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, dismantle criminal networks, protect vulnerable communities and strengthen Nigeria’s national security.
NDLEA Destroys 329,865kg of Illicit Drugs Worth N301bn in Lagos