NDLEA Intensifies Crackdown: War on Drugs Deepens as NDLEA Uncovers Over ₦134 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken a formidable leap in its war against narcotics, as its Tin Can Island Port Command in Lagos announced the interception of over 405 kilogrammes of illegal substances within the last year. The seizure, a major breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against drug trafficking in Nigeria, underscores the agency’s heightened surveillance and operational upgrades.

Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed these developments during a recent courtesy call by maritime journalists to the Tin Can Island Strategic Command. Speaking passionately about the evolving threat of narcotic proliferation, he painted a stark picture of drug abuse not merely as a criminal enterprise, but as a public health emergency with far-reaching consequences.

Drug enforcement efforts have traditionally focused on criminal prosecution, but the NDLEA is adopting a broader, more strategic lens. Ofoyeju described drug abuse as a "global public health crisis," necessitating an urgent, all-hands-on-deck approach from governments, civil society, and international partners alike.

Cutting-edge technologies have been pivotal in the agency’s recent victories. From intelligent surveillance systems to well-trained sniffer dogs, the Tin Can Island Command has raised the bar for narcotics interception. This technological backbone, coupled with seasoned personnel, enabled the agency to foil numerous smuggling attempts over the past year.

The breakdown of the latest seizures is as alarming as it is impressive:

• 36.19 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica

• 13.75 kilogrammes of Tramadol

• 57.12 kilogrammes of Cocaine

Altogether, the street value of these confiscated drugs is estimated to exceed ₦134 billion, sending a clear message to cartels and traffickers that Nigerian ports are no longer soft targets.

Ofoyeju did not mince words in acknowledging the impact of strong leadership at the helm of the NDLEA. Since assuming office in 2021, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has spearheaded a transformation that is reshaping the agency’s internal culture and external perception. His administration has shifted the NDLEA from reactive tactics to intelligence-led operations, a move that has increased both the efficiency and success of enforcement activities.

Under Marwa’s stewardship, the agency has benefited from renewed government support, enhanced international cooperation, and expanded training programs aimed at building a professional, agile workforce. Ofoyeju emphasized that these reforms have been instrumental in boosting morale, sharpening field operations, and positioning the NDLEA as a credible player in global drug enforcement networks.

But enforcement alone is not enough. As Ofoyeju pointed out, curbing demand is just as vital as disrupting supply. The NDLEA is now deploying robust sensitization campaigns to educate citizens—particularly young people—on the devastating effects of drug abuse. From mental health deterioration to family disintegration and social instability, the consequences of addiction stretch far beyond the individual.

This community-centered approach marks a significant pivot in the agency’s strategy. Grassroots education, awareness outreach, and school-based campaigns form the pillars of this new frontier. “We must tackle the problem from both ends—supply and demand,” Ofoyeju said, stressing the need for multi-sector collaboration to stem the tide of addiction in Nigeria.

The role of the media in this fight was also brought into sharp focus. Ofoyeju called on journalists and content creators to partner with the NDLEA in amplifying the message of drug-free living. The media, he noted, can serve as a powerful conduit for behavior change, especially in an era where social narratives and public opinion are heavily influenced by what is consumed on screens and airwaves.

Strategic communication, informed reporting, and a shared commitment to national well-being were identified as key elements in building a resilient front against narcotic abuse.

As the NDLEA continues to expand its reach and refine its methods, Nigerians can expect a more coordinated and determined campaign against illicit drugs. The Tin Can Island Port operation, with its staggering volume of seizures and the symbolic weight of its success, reflects a new era of vigilance, responsibility, and institutional strength.

What was once considered a distant battle is now being waged at Nigeria’s most critical entry points—with precision, integrity, and resolve.