The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs worth an estimated N301.058bn in Lagos.
The substances, which were destroyed on Monday following court orders, included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis strains such as Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.
NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the exercise followed orders from the Federal High Court in Lagos after the conclusion of uncontested cases and the disposal of abandoned seizures.
He disclosed that 246,864.535kg of the drugs were intercepted by the Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026.
The remaining 83,001.05kg came from seizures made by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit operating in Lagos.
Speaking during the destruction, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), described the exercise as “a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its people and deny criminal enterprises the resources they need to thrive.”
Marwa stressed that the drugs were not merely illegal substances, but represented potential dangers to individuals, families and communities.
He noted that drug trafficking and abuse could weaken the workforce, raise healthcare expenses, discourage investment and divert resources that could otherwise support education, healthcare and infrastructure.
The NDLEA boss also warned that the illegal drug trade contributes to wider security problems by providing funding for organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the agency, while also recognising the contributions of the judiciary, Lagos State Government, security agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and members of the public.
Marwa further praised NDLEA officers, particularly those working in Lagos, for their commitment and sacrifices in combating drug trafficking.
Warning drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers, he said, “Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you.”
He assured Nigerians that the agency would remain “resolute, relentless and uncompromising” in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks and their financial operations.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the destruction of nearly 300 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a “huge and sobering reminder” of the magnitude of the drug problem.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the exercise showed the impact of cooperation between law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and government.
He said Lagos remained committed to tackling drug abuse and trafficking, adding, “Lagos State is unwavering in its resolve to confront drug abuse and trafficking, and we will not relent in our efforts to do this.”
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, also praised the NDLEA, saying the agency deserved “all the accolades they have received from local and international partners.”
According to him, the destruction demonstrated that drug traffickers could no longer operate freely in the country.
He said, “It is not just about the size of what we are seeing but about the scope of what has been taken from operations conducted in our seaports, at our airports, at our land borders. This therefore represents a very strong message to drug dealers that they are no longer welcome in Nigeria.”
Adeniyi further pointed to the connection between drug trafficking and violent criminal groups, stating, “Bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents, terrorists, this is their oxygen.”
He said destroying the drugs would cost traffickers billions of naira while reducing the financial resources available to criminal organisations.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, assured the NDLEA of continued naval support for the country’s fight against illicit drugs.
