The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs with an estimated street value of N301.058 billion in Lagos, as part of efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and deprive criminal enterprises of their financial resources.
According to an official statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, the court-ordered destruction exercise was conducted at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, on Monday, August 17, 2026, involving drugs recovered from concluded uncontested cases and abandoned seizures.
Of the total quantity destroyed, 246,864.535 kilogrammes were seized by the Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026, while 83,001.05 kilogrammes were recovered by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Tin Can and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit operating within Lagos.
The illicit drugs comprised mainly cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis of different strains including Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup and other opioids, as well as khat leaves.
Speaking at the exercise, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the destruction as a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its citizens and deny criminal enterprises the resources they need to thrive.
Marwa said the exercise represented more than the elimination of contraband, noting that behind every kilogramme of narcotics destroyed was a young life at risk, a family affected by addiction and communities exposed to drug-related crime and impaired driving.
He said illicit drugs also weaken the labour force, increase healthcare costs, discourage investment and drain public resources that could otherwise be channelled into education, healthcare and infrastructure.
The NDLEA chairman further linked drug trafficking to Nigeria’s broader security challenges, stressing that proceeds from the illicit drug trade help to finance organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his administration’s strategic support for the Agency, as well as the Judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, media and members of the public for their collaboration.
Marwa also commended NDLEA personnel across the country, particularly those operating in Lagos, for their sacrifices in combating illicit drug trafficking.
Warning drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers against operating with impunity, Marwa said the Agency would continue to pursue and dismantle 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,” he said.
He called on Nigerians, parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, as well as the media, to become active stakeholders in the fight against illicit drugs, stressing that the battle could not be won by the NDLEA alone.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the destruction of about 330 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a sobering reminder of the scale of the threat illicit drugs pose to communities and young people.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said the exercise was also a testament to what could be achieved when law enforcement agencies, the Judiciary and government worked together to protect society.
“Lagos State is unwavering in its resolve to confront drug abuse and trafficking, and we will not relent in our efforts to do this,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In his goodwill message, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the NDLEA for its efforts in the fight against illicit drugs, noting that the seizures reflected operations conducted at the country’s seaports, airports and land borders.
Adeniyi said the destruction represented a strong message to drug dealers that they were no longer welcome in Nigeria.
He also noted the nexus between drug trafficking and violent non-state actors, including bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents and terrorists, saying proceeds from the drug trade provide the financial resources required to sustain their criminal activities.
“Drug dealers are going to be losing investments worth billions of naira and we are going to be denying non-state violent actors the necessary oxygen that they need for their heinous crime,” he said.
The Customs boss commended the NDLEA chairman and personnel across the Agency’s commands for their operational successes.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented at the ceremony by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, assured the NDLEA of the Nigerian Navy’s continued support for the country’s drug control efforts.
