NDLEA busts secret warehouse in Lagos, recovers N6.7bn worth of Opioids
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have bust a secret warehouse located in a residential estate in Lagos where N6.7 billion worth of opioids were recovered.
The agency, in an intelligence-led operation also arrested a drug baron linked to the consignment, Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu, and five members of his gang.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the statement, the NDLEA operatives had carried out the raid following credible intelligence that the drug trafficking organisation (DTO) was about distributing over 7.2 million pills of tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million mls) of codeine syrup.
The illicit drugs were warehoused in a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos and were set to be distributed ahead of the Christmas festive season.
They were however intercepted by officers of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA in a well coordinated operation between Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th November 2025.
According to Babafemi, two members of the DTO, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos on Wednesday 19th November while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.
A follow up operation to the syndicate’s warehouse at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor the following day led to the arrest of Onyekachi Nwanagu and other members of his syndicate including: Nwoye Sunday Ali; Nnacho Ogochukwu; and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.
In all, a total of 7,272,000 pills of tramadol 225mg worth N3.9 billion and 53 million mills of codeine syrup valued at over N2.7 billion, bringing the combined value of the seized drugs to N6.7 billion, only in street value, were recovered and moved out of the estate in eleven trucks to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.
While commending the Commander and operatives of the Special Operations Unit as well as those of Strike Force Unit involved in the dismantling of the syndicate, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) praised the officers’ professionalism and dedication.
Marwa, as quoted in the statement, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to the cartels preying on Nigeria’s youth.
“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement.
“The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, the NDLEA boss stated.
He emphasized that the agency’s focus remains squarely on the kingpins and financiers of the illicit drug trade.
“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over.
“The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are.” He added.
