The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday destroyed 1.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.
NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who announced the seizure in a statement, said the operation, the largest single destruction of confiscated drugs in the agency’s history, took place at an isolated location in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The public destruction, conducted under tight security and witnessed by representatives of government bodies, and security agencies, featured a variety of narcotics.
The drugs include 123 kilograms of cocaine, 46.8 kilograms of heroin, 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis, 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup, 3,244 kilograms of tramadol, 1,544 kilograms of “skuchies,” and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), represented by the agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, said the destruction of the massive haul underlined the NDLEA’s unrelenting fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
“This is more than just symbolic; it is a forensic and legal process. Each item destroyed has passed through the justice system, having been seized, analyzed, linked to cases, and finally approved for destruction by competent courts.
“The sheer volume of these narcotics is a grave reminder of the threat they pose to public health and safety,” Marwa said.
He issued a stern warning to drug barons and traffickers, declaring that times have changed, and as such those why defy the law will experience no breathing space.
Marwa said the NDLEA is prepared to pursue and prosecute offenders, adding that the agency has successfully convicted 10,500 drug traffickers in the past four years.
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The NDLEA chief commended the support of Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo States, along with local and international partners.
Notably, he recognised the contributions from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the UK Border Force, the French and German Police, and a host of Nigerian agencies including the military, police, customs, and NAFDAC.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (rtd), praised the NDLEA for its professionalism and courage.
“The NDLEA’s efforts have saved countless lives and safeguarded communities. As a state, we remain committed partners in the campaign against illicit drugs,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of prevention and rehabilitation, noting that the drug scourge is not only a criminal issue but a public health and socio-economic crisis.
Saturday’s event involved seized drugs from various commands within NDLEA Zones 9 and 11, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, MMIA, seaports, and border areas such as Idiroko and Seme.
According to NDLEA, the destruction of the narcotics is part of ongoing efforts to maintain transparency, reinforce public trust, and demonstrate the agency’s resolve in curbing drug-related crimes nationwide.
