. Times have changed, we’re fully prepared to hold those who defy the law accountable,
Marwa warns barons, traffickers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs
weighing about 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun
and Oyo state, in what is till date the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze at a time in the
history of the Agency.
The public destruction of the illicit substances witnessed by representatives of government
officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, NGOs
and community leaders, among others, was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along
Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun state on Saturday 12th April 2025. Some of the illicit drugs
destroyed include 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, among others.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed
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 kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these
substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed. The
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operates under a clear mandate to reduce
these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and
diligence”, he stated.
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. In his words, “To those still involved in
the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them 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 got convicted 10,572 such
offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo
Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support for the Commands and
operations of the Agency 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. This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in
evidence. Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized
items. The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to
them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution”, he stated.
He said the event represents a significant milestone in the history of the Agency because “It is
the public destruction of the largest seized narcotics across a spectrum of commands under
NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11, which comprise the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State
Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border
Command, and Seme Border Command”, adding that “while this accomplishment reflects our
determination, it also underscores the scale of the challenge we continue to face.”
While commending the unwavering dedication of our officers, “who are working tirelessly to
ensure that we do not fail in our assigned task of curbing illicit drug trafficking”, Marwa
thanked both local and international partners who have continued to contribute to the success
of the work of the Agency.
“Likewise, our international partners—such as the United States Drug Enforcement
Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the
US; United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK, the French
Police; the German Police, and others—who are playing pivotal roles in bolstering our efforts.
I am also deeply grateful to First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and other
stakeholders including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration,
FRSC, NAFDAC, and a host of others for their support, embodying the collaborative spirit
necessary for effective drug control in society”, he added.
In his remark at the ceremony, Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by his
Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd) commended the efforts of the
leadership and personnel of NDLEA for their courage, professionalism, consistent efforts in
intercepting illicit drugs before they get to communities and streets. “Their work in saving
lives, in strengthening communities and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated”, he
stated, adding that the state government remains a committed partner in the fight against drugrelated crime.
While noting that the drug scourge is a social, economic and public health crisis, Governor
Abiodun said “We must invest in prevention through education, through counseling and youth
empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support
systems for those battling addiction”
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Saturday 12th April 2025
