The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed a staggering 1.6 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs in Ogun State, in what is being hailed as the first large-scale drug destruction exercise in the state.
The event, which took place on Saturday in Ipara town along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, was hosted by Tijana Rabe, the Narcotic Commander of the Ogun NDLEA Command.
According to Rabe, the exercise marked a significant milestone in the agency’s intensified campaign against drug abuse and drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the seized substances were confiscated from NDLEA Commands under Zones 9 and 11. These include the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun, Oyo, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos Seaports, Idiroko, and Seme Border Commands.
Rabe noted that the agency’s success in intercepting and destroying the drugs was made possible through strategic collaborations with other security agencies. She expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Police, NSCDC, Army, Immigration Service, and Amotekun Corps for their critical support in the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse.
She also extended gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for his consistent support of the NDLEA’s anti-drug campaigns.
“This government support drives us to do more. Drug barons are being identified and brought to justice,” she added.
Representing NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Maj.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), Deputy Commander-General of Narcotics Dr Ibrahim Abdul described the operation as a testament to the agency’s unwavering commitment to curb the illicit drug trade in Nigeria.
“This shows the scale of the illicit drug challenge facing Nigeria,” Marwa stated.
Breakdown of Seized Illicit Substances
Among the drugs destroyed were:
- 1.4 million kg of cannabis
- 148,000 kg of codeine syrup
- 123 kg of cocaine
- 46.8 kg of heroin
- 111 kg of methamphetamine
- 1.544 kg of skuchies (a local cocktail of psychoactive substances)
The NDLEA emphasized that the bulk of these illegal substances were intercepted in high-risk areas, particularly in Lagos and Ogun States, which remain hotspots due to their international airports and porous land borders.
“To traffickers, the times have changed. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, we are determined to end this menace,” Marwa stressed.
He reaffirmed that the agency would continue taking decisive action against individuals and syndicates violating Nigeria’s drug laws.
Since the beginning of its intensified enforcement, NDLEA has secured the conviction of 10,572 drug offenders in the last four years, all currently serving various jail terms.