Nigeria drug agency seizes 5.3 million kg of illicit drugs worth N1.5 trillion in 18 months

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria has reported seizing an immense quantity of illicit drugs, totaling 5,305,484.88 kilograms, with an estimated value of N1.5 trillion over the past 18 months. This significant haul is part of the agency's intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse nationwide.

Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, disclosed these figures during the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. He emphasized that these numbers represent more than just seizures; they signify millions of lives potentially saved and a substantial disruption of criminal finances. Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against drugs, recognizing them as a major threat to public health, national security, and social stability.

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These numbers represent more than just data; they represent millions of lives saved, billions of naira in criminal wealth confiscated, and a future reclaimed for our youths.

The agency detailed several operational successes, including dismantling the Amadi Simon drug cartel through international cooperation with agencies in the US, Greece, France, and Switzerland. They also disrupted a transnational methamphetamine cartel, arresting key figures, and uncovered a clandestine drug laboratory in Oyo State. Over the last five years, NDLEA has linked 234 suspected drug barons to major trafficking networks.

Acknowledging that enforcement alone is insufficient, NDLEA has broadened its drug demand reduction initiatives. Through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, the agency has conducted thousands of sensitization programs across various institutions and communities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians. Additionally, over 13,500 individuals battling substance abuse have received counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation services at NDLEA's 31 centers nationwide.

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Nigeria remained committed to the global fight against illicit drugs, describing drug trafficking and abuse as major threats to public health, national security, social stability and human development.