The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major opioids cartel in Lagos, recovering illicit drugs valued at over N6.7 billion and arresting an alleged kingpin, Onyekachi Nwanagu, alongside five members of his network.
The seizure followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit between November 19 and 20, 2025, targeting a syndicate reportedly preparing to circulate massive quantities of opioids ahead of the Christmas season.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives intercepted two members of the group, Egbo Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, at Apple Junction, Festac, on Wednesday, November 19, while they were ferrying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.
A follow-up raid on the syndicate’s secret warehouse at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri, Isolo, led to the arrest of Nwanagu and three others: Nwoye Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Philip.
The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that officers recovered 7,272,000 pills of tramadol 225mg, valued at N3.96 billion, 53 million millilitres of codeine syrup, contained in 526,200 bottles, worth N2.76 billion, while the total street value of the seized drugs stands at N6,722,550,000.
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The exhibits were evacuated from the estate in 11 trucks and moved to the NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd) praised the coordinated operation, describing it as a significant blow to drug cartels targeting Nigerian youths.
“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement,” Marwa said.
“The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people.”
He warned that drug barons who consider themselves beyond the reach of the law would be smoked out of hiding.
“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts… is a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death,” he said.
Marwa commended the agency’s Special Operations and Strike Force Units for their professionalism and unwavering dedication.
The NDLEA said the crackdown underscores its renewed focus on targeting kingpins, financiers, and large-scale cartels rather than low-level drug peddlers.
