- NDLEA uncovers Lagos drug warehouse and arrests six key trafficking suspects.
- Operatives seize tramadol and codeine valued at more than N6.7 billion.
- Marwa vows relentless crackdown as terrorism related evidence enters court.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has recorded another major breakthrough after uncovering a covert drug warehouse inside a residential estate on Sunny Billa East Street in Bucknor, Isheri, Isolo. The operation followed intelligence reports pointing to unusual gas-like activity and the storage of large quantities of illicit substances within the compound.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that acting on the intelligence, NDLEA operatives moved in on November 19, 2025, first intercepting a truck that was offloading opioids for distribution ahead of the Christmas season. According to Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, the agency’s Special Operations Unit trailed two suspected Drug Trafficking Organisation members, identified as Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel. The suspects were arrested at Apple Junction while transporting three hundred cartons of opioids in a truck.
A follow up raid carried out on November 20, 2025, led operatives to the main warehouse inside the residential compound. Officers arrested the suspected cartel leader, Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu, along with five others identified as Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip, and two additional suspects. The operation brought the total number of arrests to six.
Babafemi confirmed that the seized exhibits were evacuated from the estate using eleven recovery trucks for secure forensic preservation at the NDLEA central exhibit complex in Lagos. In total, operatives recovered seven million two hundred and seventy two thousand pills of tramadol 225 milligrams valued at N3.96 billion and five hundred and twenty six thousand two hundred bottles of codeine syrup valued at N2.76 billion. The combined street value of the seized substances stands at N6.72 billion.
The agency noted that the pills and bottles completely filled the warehouse space located in the residential neighbourhood.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the officers, describing the operation as a victory for Nigerians and a clear confirmation of the agency’s commitment under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He warned drug cartels operating across the country that the era of impunity is over and assured that the agency will continue to dismantle drug networks everywhere they hide.
In a separate development, the NDLEA confirmed progress in the ongoing terrorism related trial linked to arrested negotiator, Tukur Mamu. Forensic analysis conducted on his devices revealed extensive communication logs with terror groups. Evidence including voice notes, CCTV recordings, and digital files were admitted in court by Justice Halilu at the terrorism trial sitting in Abuja.
The court adjourned further hearing and adoption of written addresses to February 19, 2026.
