Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have raided three illicit drug warehouses hidden in a residential estate in the Okota area of Lagos, recovering 2,360,000 pills of high-potency tramadol (225mg) and 1,909,400 bottles of codeine syrup, with a combined estimated value of ₦16,927,200,000.
According to a statement made available to ThelensNG on Wednesday by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the high-stakes, intelligence-led coordinated operations were conducted on April 17, 2026, at 98 Olukayode Awofisayo Street, Park View Estate, Ago Palace Way, Okota.
“A large warehouse was uncovered and two others at 5 Charles Ndumetu Street, Park View Estate, Ago Palace, Okota, Lagos State. Recovered from the three warehouses were 19,094 cartons containing 1,909,400 bottles of codeine syrup and 2,360,000 pills of high-potency tramadol 225mg pills in another 34 cartons,” Babafemi confirmed.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), stated that the successful operation dealt a significant blow to the pharmaceutical drug black market and led to the dismantling of a major drug syndicate in the country.
Marwa expressed pride in the operatives involved, describing the seizure as a monumental victory in the ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
“The scale of this recovery, nearly 4.3 million units of lethal substances, is a testament to the fact that our officers are staying several steps ahead of these merchants of death.
“To find such volumes hidden within residential estates like Park View and busy hubs like Okota shows the desperation of these cartels, but it also highlights the peerless intelligence capabilities of our team,” he said.
The NDLEA boss reiterated that there is no safe haven for drug traffickers in Nigeria, adding that whether they hide their illicit goods in elite residences or suburban warehouses, the Agency’s reach is long and its resolve is firm.
“Let this be a clear signal to those who think they can profit from the destruction of our children’s futures: we will find you, we will dismantle your networks, and we will bring the full weight of the law upon you,” he warned.
