The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, opioids, cannabis and other illicit drugs worth an estimated N301,058,076,000 in Lagos.
The court-ordered exercise took place at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, on Monday, 17th August 2026.
The Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, ordered the disposal of drugs linked to uncontested concluded cases and abandoned seizures.
The Lagos Strategic Command seized 246,864.535 kilograms between April 2025 and May 2026.
However, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit accounted for 83,001.05 kilograms.
The destroyed drugs included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and different strains of cannabis, including Canadian Loud and skunk.
They also included ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaf.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the exercise as a strong sign of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its people and deny criminal groups the resources to operate.
Marwa said every kilogram of narcotics destroyed represented a young life at risk, a family affected by addiction and communities exposed to drug-related crime and impaired driving.
He added that illicit drugs weaken the labour force, increase healthcare costs, discourage investment and drain funds that could support education, healthcare and infrastructure.
The NDLEA boss linked drug trafficking to wider security threats, saying the trade helps fund organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism globally, making drug seizures an important part of Nigeria’s national security efforts.
Marwa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration for supporting the NDLEA mandate.
He also praised the Judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society, traditional institutions, media and members of the public for their support.
He also praised NDLEA personnel, especially officers serving in Lagos, for the risks and sacrifices they face in the line of duty.
Marwa warned drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers that they could no longer operate with impunity.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” he said.
He vowed that the Agency would remain resolute and relentless in dismantling criminal networks and their financial spine.
He also urged parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders and the media to take an active role in the fight against illicit drugs.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the destruction of about 300 tons of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a serious reminder of the threat drugs pose to young people and communities.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said the scale of the destruction also showed what law enforcement agencies, the Judiciary and government could achieve through cooperation.
Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos State would continue to confront drug abuse and trafficking and would not relent in its efforts.
In his goodwill message, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi praised the NDLEA for its work with local and international partners.
He said the seizures from seaports, airports and land borders sent a strong message to drug dealers that they were no longer welcome in Nigeria.
Adeniyi said drug trafficking provides “the oxygen” for bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents and terrorists.
He said destroying the drugs would deny violent non-state actors funds and resources for their crimes.
He commended Marwa and NDLEA officers and operatives across the Agency’s commands for their work.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, also assured the NDLEA of continued support for Nigeria’s drug control efforts.
External links
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Lagos State Government official website
Nigeria Customs Service official website
