The exercise, conducted at an isolated site in Ipara along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, is the largest volume of seized drugs to be destroyed at once in the history of the NDLEA.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed about 1.6 million kilograms of seized narcotics in a public burning witnessed by top government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, and international partners.
The exercise, conducted at an isolated site in Ipara along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, is the largest volume of seized drugs to be destroyed at once in the history of the NDLEA.
The substances torched included 123kg of cocaine, 46.8kg of heroin, 1.4 million kg of cannabis, 148,000kg of codeine syrup, 3,244kg of tramadol, 1,544kg of skuchies, and 111kg of methamphetamine, among others.
This is contained in a statement released on Saturday by, the Agency spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the drugs were seized by NDLEA operatives across its Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun and Oyo State Commands, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, Lagos Seaports Command, Idiroko and Seme Border Commands, which fall under the Agency’s Zone 9 and Zone 11 operational jurisdictions.
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, emphasised the Agency’s zero-tolerance approach to drug trafficking.
“The sheer volume of these seizures serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health. NDLEA operates under a clear mandate—to reduce these narcotics to rubble. We discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence,” Marwa said.
“To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicate this menace. At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law.”
According to him, the agency has secured 10,572 convictions over the past four years, signaling growing momentum in the war against narcotics.
Marwa also expressed gratitude to Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) for supporting NDLEA operations in their states.
He further acknowledged the contributions of international partners such as the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), UK National Crime Agency (NCA), French and German police, and supportive institutions like First Bank, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and security agencies including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, and NAFDAC.
Marwa explained that the public destruction exercise was about more than optics. “This is not merely symbolic—it is forensic and grounded in evidence. Laboratory tests are conducted to confirm the authenticity of the seized items, and they are destroyed only after due judicial processes,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd), lauded the NDLEA for its courage and professionalism in intercepting illicit drugs before they reach communities.
“Their work in saving lives, strengthening communities, and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated,” he said.
Governor Abiodun called for sustained efforts to tackle the root causes of drug abuse in society.
“The drug scourge is a social, economic, and public health crisis. We must invest in prevention through education, counseling, and youth empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centers and support systems for those battling addiction.”
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