The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the seizure of illicit drugs valued at over N10 billion and the arrest of a high-profile cocaine trafficker following a series of raids across multiple locations in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub.
Coordinated Operations Uncover Massive Drug Haul
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, detailed that operatives acting on intelligence raided three warehouses and two residential properties in the Ikeja, Apapa, and Oshodi areas of Lagos on Monday. The operation yielded 850 kilograms of cocaine, 1,200 kilograms of heroin, and 5,000 kilograms of cannabis sativa (marijuana), with a total street value estimated at N10.2 billion.
“This is one of the largest single seizures in the agency's recent history,” Babafemi said. “The drugs were cleverly concealed in imported furniture and household appliances, indicating a sophisticated smuggling network.”
Kingpin Apprehended After Months of Surveillance
Among those arrested was 45-year-old Chukwudi Okeke, identified as a major cocaine kingpin who had been under surveillance for six months. Okeke was apprehended at his residence in the upscale Victoria Garden City (VGC) estate. He is believed to have coordinated drug shipments from South America through West African ports into Nigeria.
“The suspect had evaded capture for years by using multiple aliases and changing locations frequently,” the NDLEA spokesperson added. “His arrest is a significant blow to the transnational drug trafficking network operating in the region.”
Suspects Face Charges Under NDLEA Act
Three other suspects were also arrested during the raids, including a warehouse manager and two logistics coordinators. They are currently in custody and will be charged under the NDLEA Act, which prescribes penalties up to life imprisonment for drug trafficking. The agency has launched a broader investigation to track down other members of the cartel.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the operatives for their dedication and urged the public to provide more intelligence. “We will continue to dismantle these criminal enterprises and protect our youth from the scourge of drug abuse,” he said in a separate statement.
Impact on Drug Trafficking and Public Health
Drug abuse remains a critical public health issue in Nigeria, with an estimated 14.3 million people aged 15–64 using psychoactive substances, according to a 2018 national survey. The NDLEA has intensified its crackdown in recent years, seizing over N75 billion worth of drugs in 2025 alone. Experts say this latest operation could disrupt supply chains and reduce the availability of hard drugs in the country.
The agency also noted that the confiscated drugs have been transferred to its forensic laboratory for analysis, and the proceeds from the sale of the haul will be forfeited to the federal government once a court order is obtained.
