By Bertram Nwannekanma

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.

The illicit drugs were the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze at a time in the history of the agency.

The exercise was witnessed by representatives of government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, Non Governmental organisations (NGOs), and community leaders, among others.

It was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun State on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

Some of the illicit drugs destroyed include 123 kilogrammes of cocaine; 46.8 kilogrammes of heroin; 1.4 million kilogrammes of cannabis; 148,000 kilogrammes of codeine syrup; 3,244.26 kilogrammes of tramadol; 1,544 kilogrammes of skuchies; and 111 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, among others.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohammed 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 kilogrammes, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed,” he said.

“The 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 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 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,” he said.

“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.”