In an unprecedented operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday, April 12, 2025, publicly destroyed over 1.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states — the largest single batch of narcotics to be incinerated at once in the Agency’s history.
The historic event took place at a secluded site in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, and was witnessed by a cross-section of stakeholders including government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies, international partners, non-governmental organizations, religious leaders, and community representatives.
According to a statement released by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the massive haul included: 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 dangerous cocktail of hard drugs), and 111kg of methamphetamine
Speaking at the destruction exercise, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the operation as a strong demonstration of the agency’s unwavering determination to eliminate the drug menace from Nigerian society.
“The sheer volume of this seizure highlights the grave danger these substances pose to public health and national security,” Marwa stated. “This is not just symbolic; it’s forensic. Every item destroyed has been verified through random lab tests and sanctioned by the courts following successful prosecutions.”
Gen. Marwa, who was represented at the event by the Director of Assets and Financial Investigations, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the agency’s operations.
“This public destruction underscores our commitment to an open and thorough process. It also sends a strong message to traffickers — there is no longer a hiding place in Nigeria,” he warned.
Marwa reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains fully supportive of the NDLEA’s anti-drug war, adding that the agency had successfully prosecuted 10,572 offenders over the past four years.
He extended appreciation to the governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states — Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and Seyi Makinde, respectively — for their continued support to NDLEA operations across their states.
Highlighting the significance of the destruction, Dr. Abdul noted that it covered confiscated drugs from NDLEA’s operations under Zone 9 and Zone 11, which include the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border, and Seme Border Commands.
Commending the dedication of NDLEA personnel, Marwa also praised the role of international collaborators such as; The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA), The UK’s Border Force and National Crime Agency (NCA), French and German Police, and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL)
He also recognized support from financial institutions like First Bank, Fidelity Bank, and Sterling Bank, as well as cooperation from sister security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Customs, Police, Immigration, FRSC, Civil Defence, and NAFDAC.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Olusola Subair, commended the NDLEA’s professionalism and bravery. He lauded their role in preventing drugs from reaching communities and called for sustained public investment in preventive education, counseling, youth empowerment, and rehabilitation services.
“The drug crisis is not just a security issue; it is a public health and socio-economic emergency. Our collective response must be holistic and proactive,” the governor stated.
