NDLEA Says It Seized ₦480 Billion Worth of Drugs, Arrested 9,769 Suspects in Major Crackdown

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced one of its biggest operational successes in recent years, revealing that it intercepted illicit drugs worth ₦480 billion, dismantled Nigeria's largest-ever clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, and arrested 9,769 suspected drug traffickers between January and May 2026.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed the figures while addressing stakeholders on the growing threat posed by illicit drug trafficking and the emergence of hidden methamphetamine laboratories across the country.

Largest Meth Lab Discovered in Nigeria

According to the NDLEA, one of the agency's most significant breakthroughs was the discovery and dismantling of an industrial-scale methamphetamine production facility concealed inside a forest in Ogun State.

The operation targeted a sophisticated Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and led to the arrest of 10 suspects, including the alleged kingpin, three Mexican nationals, and six Nigerian collaborators.

Investigators said the laboratory was capable of producing large quantities of methamphetamine for both domestic distribution and international trafficking. The drugs and chemicals recovered during the raid were valued at more than ₦480 billion.

Forests Becoming New Safe Havens for Drug Cartels

Marwa warned that organised criminal groups are increasingly relocating meth production into remote forests, disguising the facilities as farms to avoid detection by security agencies.

He described the trend as an emerging national security concern, saying international drug cartels are partnering with local syndicates to establish industrial-scale laboratories in isolated locations.

The NDLEA said intelligence-led operations have become crucial in uncovering these hidden facilities before they can expand their operations.

Thousands Arrested and Convictions Secured

The agency reported that 9,769 suspects were arrested during the first five months of the year, while 1,778 convictions, including 65 convicted drug kingpins, were secured in court over the same period.

The NDLEA said the figures demonstrate its intensified campaign against drug trafficking networks and its commitment to prosecuting offenders.

International Cooperation Paying Off

Marwa credited many of the recent successes to stronger cooperation with international law enforcement agencies and Nigerian security institutions.

Recent joint operations with the Nigeria Customs Service and international partners have resulted in several major seizures at Nigerian ports, including large consignments of "Canadian Loud," a potent strain of cannabis, imported from Canada.

NDLEA Calls for Greater Public Support

Despite the operational gains, the NDLEA says drug trafficking remains one of Nigeria's most serious security and public health challenges.

The agency urged communities to report suspicious activities, particularly in remote areas where criminal groups may attempt to establish hidden laboratories.

Marwa also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and international partners to combat organised drug crime.

He stressed that while enforcement efforts have yielded significant results, sustained public cooperation will be essential to dismantle trafficking networks permanently.