By Peace Erewunmi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs valued at an estimated N301.058 billion in Lagos State.
The court-ordered destruction exercise was carried out at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, following orders from the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.

According to the agency, 246,864.535 kilogrammes of the drugs were seized by the Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026, while another 83,001.05 kilogrammes were recovered through operations involving the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tin Can and Apapa Strategic Commands, the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit.

The destroyed substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis varieties such as Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.

Speaking during the exercise, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the destruction demonstrated Nigeria’s determination to protect citizens and deprive criminal networks of resources needed to operate.

Marwa warned drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers that the agency would intensify efforts to dismantle their networks and target their financial structures.

He said proceeds from illicit drug trafficking could finance organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism, making the fight against drug trafficking an important part of Nigeria’s national security efforts.

The NDLEA chairman also warned traffickers that the agency would continue to pursue them regardless of where they operate or how sophisticated their networks may be.

Marwa commended the judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, other security agencies, international partners and members of the public for their cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs.

The Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Customs Service also pledged continued support for efforts to combat drug trafficking and disrupt the criminal networks that benefit from the illicit trade.

The NDLEA urged parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders and the media to play active roles in preventing drug abuse and supporting the agency’s efforts to reduce the spread of illicit substances in Nigeria.