The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585kg of assorted illicit drugs with an estimated street value of N301.06 billion in a court-ordered exercise in Lagos.
The destruction took place on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Navy Town in the Ojo area of Lagos.
According to the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, 246,864.535kg of the drugs were seized by the agency’s Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026.
The remaining 83,001.05kg came from seizures made by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit operating in Lagos.
The destroyed substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, Canadian Loud, skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.
Babafemi said the exercise was carried out pursuant to orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, covering concluded uncontested cases and abandoned drug seizures.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the destruction as a major demonstration of Nigeria’s determination to protect citizens and disrupt criminal drug networks.
Marwa said the consequences of drug trafficking go beyond the substances themselves, affecting young people, families, communities and the wider economy.
He noted that illicit drugs can weaken the workforce, increase healthcare costs, discourage investment and divert resources that could otherwise be invested in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
According to him, every major drug seizure helps prevent potential losses associated with addiction, crime and social disruption.
The NDLEA chairman also linked the illegal drug trade to wider security challenges, saying drug trafficking can provide funding for organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism.
He said intercepting and destroying illicit drugs therefore contributes to strengthening Nigeria’s national security.
Marwa commended NDLEA personnel across the country, particularly officers operating in Lagos, for the risks and sacrifices involved in tackling drug trafficking.
He also issued a warning to drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers, saying the agency would continue pursuing criminal networks and their financial structures.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” Marwa said.
He added that the agency remained committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and preventing illicit substances from reaching communities.
Source: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
