NDLEA Destroys Hard Drugs Seized In Lagos, Ogun, And Oyo

 

 The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.

 The quantity of illegal drugs seized was the highest ever for a given time period in the agency's history. The exercise was witnessed by representatives of government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, Non Governmental organisations (NGOs), and community leaders, among others.

 It was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun State on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

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 123 kilograms of cocaine, 46.8 kilograms of heroin, 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis, 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup, 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol, 1,544 kilograms of skuchies, and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine are among the illicit drugs that were destroyed. Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the exercise is a testament to the Agency’s steadfast commitment to tackling the scourge of drug trafficking in the country.

 “The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilogrammes, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed,” he said.

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 The NDLEA is clearly tasked with destroying these illegal substances. We carry out this responsibility with the utmost seriousness and diligence at all times. He warned those involved in drug trafficking that the times have changed and there will be no breathing space or any safe haven for them in Nigeria.

 He stated, "We will continue to remind those still involved in the illicit drug trade that times have changed." The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace.

 “At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law.  In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”

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 He thanked Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos for their support of the agency's Commands and operations in their respective states. The NDLEA boss who was represented at the occasion by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr Ibrahim Abdul, justified the public destruction of the confiscated drugs.

 “The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability.  By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking,” he said.

 “This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in evidence.  To ensure that the seized items are genuine, random laboratory tests are performed. After arrests have been made and successful prosecutions have been carried out, the substances are destroyed with the court's approval.