NDLEA Seizes N6.7bn Drugs in Lagos Warehouse Raid, Arrests Six

NDLEA operatives have uncovered a major drug warehouse in Lagos and arrested six suspects after seizing illicit substances valued at more than N6.7 billion. The agency’s Special Operations Unit raided a concealed facility at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor in Isheri, Isolo, where millions of tramadol pills and large quantities of codeine syrup had reportedly been stockpiled for distribution ahead of the festive season.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, officers moved in after receiving intelligence that the syndicate was preparing to circulate 7.2 million pills of Tramadol 225mg and over half a million bottles of codeine syrup across the South-West. The crackdown began on November 19, when two suspects were intercepted at Apple Junction, Festac, with a truck carrying 300 cartons of opioids. A follow-up raid the next day led operatives to the main warehouse, where alleged ringleader Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and four others were arrested.

Authorities said the haul included 7,272,000 tramadol pills worth nearly N4 billion and codeine syrup valued at more than N2.7 billion. The substances were evacuated in 11 trucks and taken to the NDLEA’s central exhibit facility in Lagos.

NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa described the operation as a significant blow to criminal networks “preying on Nigeria’s youth,” noting that the volume of drugs recovered could have contributed to widespread addiction and insecurity. He said the bust underscores the agency’s determination to dismantle the financial and operational structures behind major trafficking rings and warned that no trafficker should consider themselves beyond the reach of the law.

Marwa commended the Special Operations Unit and Strike Force Unit for the coordinated effort that led to the arrests and seizures, praising their professionalism and persistence in tracking high-risk criminal groups.