NDLEA Destroys 1.6 Million Kilograms of Illicit Drugs in Historic Operation Across Southwest Nigeria

NDLEA Destroys 1.6 Million Kilograms of Illicit Drugs in Historic Operation Across Southwest Nigeria

Ipara, Ogun State – April 12, 2025

In a landmark operation marking the largest single-day drug destruction in its history, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday incinerated approximately 1.6 million kilograms of seized illicit substances in Ipara, Ogun State.

The public destruction exercise—witnessed by representatives of various government agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, international partners, and community stakeholders—symbolizes the agency’s intensified war against drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The illicit substances destroyed include 123kg of cocaine, 46.8kg of heroin, 1.4 million kg of cannabis, 148,000kg of codeine syrup, 3,244.26kg of tramadol, 1,544kg of skuchies (a mixture of psychoactive substances), and 111kg of methamphetamine, among others. These seizures were made across multiple states including Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo, and spanned strategic NDLEA commands at MMIA, Lagos Seaports, Seme and Idiroko borders.

Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the destruction as both symbolic and forensic—reflecting the agency’s commitment to transparency and public accountability. He was represented by Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, the agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigations.

“The sheer volume of drugs being destroyed today is a testament to the scale of the threat we face,” Marwa said. “This is not just about setting fire to banned substances—it is about sending a clear message to drug barons and traffickers that the NDLEA and the Nigerian government are fully prepared to hold those who defy the law accountable.”

He noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remained resolute in supporting the agency's fight against drug abuse and trafficking. “In the past four years alone, 10,572 drug offenders have been convicted across the country,” he said.

Marwa commended the support of Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), whose collaboration has strengthened the agency's operations in their respective states.

The NDLEA boss further acknowledged the critical role of international partners—including the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the UK Border Force, France and Germany’s national police agencies—and corporate supporters like First Bank, Fidelity Bank, and Sterling Bank in the agency’s mission.

In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd), praised the NDLEA for its professionalism and resilience. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the anti-drug fight and called for broader investment in prevention, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment initiatives.

“The drug scourge is not just a criminal matter—it is a public health, social, and economic crisis,” he said. “We must do more to educate, counsel, and empower our young people to keep them away from drug abuse.”

Saturday’s operation underscores NDLEA’s relentless efforts to protect Nigerian communities from the dangers of narcotics, and reinforces the call for collective action against the growing drug menace in the country.