Nigeria’s Largest Drug Destruction: NDLEA Burns 1.6m Kilograms of Illicit Substances

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has carried out the largest public destruction of illicit drugs in its history, setting ablaze approximately 1.6 million kilograms of seized substances. The operation took place on Saturday at a secluded location in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, and was witnessed by government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, security agencies, international partners, NGOs, and community leaders.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that the destroyed drugs included 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.

Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, emphasized the agency’s resolve to eliminate the threat of drug trafficking. He noted that the sheer volume of the drugs destroyed reflects the severe risk they pose to public health and reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring they are thoroughly and irreversibly eliminated.

Represented by the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Marwa explained that the public destruction of the drugs ensures transparency and accountability. He stated that laboratory tests are conducted to verify the substances before destruction, which only takes place after court approval and the conclusion of related prosecutions.

The NDLEA boss also issued a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking, stating that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to eradicating the drug menace. Marwa revealed that over the past four years, 10,572 individuals involved in drug offenses have been successfully prosecuted and are serving jail terms.

He expressed gratitude to the governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states—Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and Seyi Makinde—for their ongoing support of the NDLEA’s operations. Marwa also acknowledged the contributions of international partners such as the US Drug Enforcement Administration, UK Border Force, French and German police, and others, as well as local institutions including the Nigerian military, police, customs, civil defence, immigration, and NAFDAC.

Representing Governor Abiodun at the event, retired Assistant Inspector General Olusola Subair commended the NDLEA’s efforts in protecting communities from the dangers of illicit drugs. He stressed the importance of addressing the drug crisis as a social, economic, and public health issue, calling for greater investment in prevention, education, youth empowerment, rehabilitation, and support for those struggling with addiction.