The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at N301.058 billion, in a court-ordered exercise in Lagos.
The destruction, carried out on Monday, , at Navy Town, Ojo, followed orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, and involved drugs recovered from concluded and uncontested cases as well as abandoned seizures.
According to the NDLEA in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi , 246,864.535 kilograms of the destroyed substances were seized by its Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026.
Another 83,001.05 kilograms came from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit, all operating in Lagos.
According to the statement, 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 at the exercise, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), described the operation as a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its citizens and disrupt criminal networks sustained by the illicit drug trade.
Marwa said the destruction represented more than the disposal of contraband, stressing that behind every kilogram of narcotics seized is the potential for a young life to be harmed, a family disrupted by addiction and communities exposed to drug-related crime and impaired driving.
He warned that the illicit drug trade also carries significant economic consequences, as drug abuse weakens the workforce, increases healthcare costs, discourages investment and places additional pressure on public resources.
According to him, every major drug consignment intercepted by the Agency helps save the country from billions of naira in potential losses associated with addiction, crime and social dislocation.
The NDLEA chairman also linked drug trafficking to Nigeria’s wider security challenges, noting that proceeds from the illicit trade can support organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism.
He said the seizure and destruction of the drugs therefore formed part of the country’s broader national security efforts.
Marwa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the strategic support given to the Agency, while also appreciating the Judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, the media and members of the public for their continued cooperation.
The NDLEA said the exercise underscores its commitment to disrupting the illicit drug supply chain while protecting communities and strengthening Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.