Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of illicit drugs worth an estimated N301.06 billion in Lagos, following a High Court order.
The court-ordered exercise, which took place in Lagos, involved illicit drugs seized by several NDLEA commands operating across the state.
The NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command accounted for 246,864.535 kilograms seized between April 2025 and May 2026. Another 83,001.05 kilograms came from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tin-Can and Apapa Strategic Commands, the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit.
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NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the destruction as a demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its citizens and disrupt criminal enterprises.
Marwa said every kilogram of narcotics destroyed represented a potential threat to young people, families and communities. He also linked illicit drug use to addiction, drug-related crime and impaired driving.
He said the economic impact extends beyond the illegal drug market. According to Marwa, illicit drugs weaken the labour force, increase healthcare costs, discourage investment and divert public resources from education, healthcare and infrastructure.
“Every consignment intercepted by the Agency saves the country billions of naira in potential losses linked to addiction, crime and social dislocation,” he said.
The NDLEA chief credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration with providing strategic support for the agency’s mandate. He also recognised the roles of the judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, security agencies, international partners, civil society, traditional institutions, media and the public.
Marwa commended NDLEA personnel nationwide, particularly officers serving in Lagos, for what he described as the risks and sacrifices involved in their duties.
He warned drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers that the agency would pursue their networks.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the destruction of about 300 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a reminder of the scale of the drug threat.
The governor said the exercise also showed what coordinated action among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and government can achieve.
He added that Lagos State remained committed to confronting drug abuse and trafficking.
