The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reaffirmed the importance of stronger inter-agency collaboration in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs, as it destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of assorted narcotics valued at N301.058 billion in Lagos.
In a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA headquarters Femi Babafemi , the court-ordered destruction exercise, held on Monday at Navy Town, Ojo, brought together key stakeholders from the security and justice sectors, underscoring the growing cooperation among agencies in disrupting drug trafficking networks and protecting communities.
The drugs, which were destroyed pursuant to orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, comprised substances recovered from concluded and uncontested cases as well as abandoned seizures.
They included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis varieties such as Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.
The statement explains that of the total quantity, 246,864.535 kilograms were seized by the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026.
Another 83,001.05 kilograms were recovered through operations by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit, all operating in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), said the scale of the seizure demonstrated what could be achieved when government institutions and security agencies work together towards a common goal.
Marwa commended the Judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and members of the public for supporting the Agency’s mandate.
He stressed that the fight against drug trafficking could not be won by the NDLEA alone, calling on parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders and other Nigerians to become active stakeholders in the campaign against illicit drugs.
The NDLEA chairman also paid tribute to personnel across the country, particularly those serving in Lagos, acknowledging the risks and sacrifices they make in disrupting drug trafficking networks.
He issued a strong warning to drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers, saying the Agency would continue to pursue both their criminal operations and the financial structures supporting them.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” Marwa warned.
He said the NDLEA remained “resolute, relentless and uncompromising” in its determination to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the destruction of about 300 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances was a stark reminder of the magnitude of the drug threat facing communities and young Nigerians.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said the exercise equally demonstrated the impact of collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the Judiciary and government.
He assured that Lagos State would continue to support efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
“Lagos State is unwavering in its resolve to confront drug abuse and trafficking, and we will not relent in our efforts to do this,” he said.
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, also commended the NDLEA, noting that the seizures represented successful operations across Nigeria’s seaports, airports and land borders.
Adeniyi said the destruction sends a powerful message to drug traffickers that Nigeria is increasingly becoming hostile territory for their operations.
He also drew attention to the link between illicit drug trafficking and violent non-state actors, including bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents and terrorists.
According to him, proceeds from the drug trade provide resources that sustain violent criminal activities.
He described the destruction as significant not only because of the volume of drugs removed from circulation, but also because it represents billions of naira in lost investments for criminal networks and reduced resources for violent groups.
The Customs chief commended Marwa and NDLEA personnel across the country for their role in disrupting the illicit drug supply chain.
On his part , 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 the Nigerian Navy’s continued support for national drug control efforts.
The collaboration among the NDLEA, Judiciary, Customs, Navy, Lagos State Government and other stakeholders reflects a broader effort to tackle drug trafficking not only as a public health concern, but also as an economic and national security threat.
The NDLEA said every major seizure represents a disruption of criminal investments and helps prevent the social and economic damage associated with drug abuse, organised crime and trafficking.
The Agency maintained that sustained inter-agency cooperation remains critical to dismantling the networks behind the illicit drug trade and building safer communities across Nigeria.