₦airaland Forum

NDLEA busts illicit drug warehouse, recovers N6.7 billion opioids, arrests baron, 5 others


…This is a clear statement you’re no longer untouchable, we’ll smoke you out of your hiding, Marwa warns drug barons

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) continued their offensive action against drug syndicates in a nationwide crackdown with the dismantling of an opioids cartel in an intelligence-led operation during which a baron Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and five members of his gang were arrested with illicit substances worth over N6.7 billion recovered from their secret warehouse in a residential estate in Lagos.

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 warehoused in a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos state, ahead of the Christmas festive season, officers of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA led a well coordinated operation between Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th November 2025 to round up members of the syndicate and dismantle their criminal network.

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 Thursday 20th November 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 Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand (7,272,000) pills of tramadol 225mg worth Three Billion Nine Hundred and Sixty Million Naira (N3,960,000,000) and 53 million mills of codeine syrup valued at over Two Billion Seven Hundred and Sixty Two Million Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N2,762,550,000), bringing the combined value of the seized drugs to Six Billion Seven Hundred and Twenty Two Million Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N6,722,550,000.00) 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, 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", Marwa 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."

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Wednesday 26th November 2025

Who do parents teach their children these days?

Stay away from drugs and drug money.

Their boss would not accept any excuse on how he lost ₦6 billion. It is better they go prison or else... 💀🗡️

This is deep, una wan spoil all our youths life finish

Strictly family affair. congratulations

Yet our people fail to see the connections between banditry, kidnappings and all other vices.

Wait ooo… and it’s this same country we say there’s no money. I really commend the NDLEA for the good work they’re doing. I pray they’ll keep busting those barons every day.

The use of drugs poses problems and mental health risks

The use of drugs poses severe problems and mental health risks

We are in a drug barons regime

Opioid drugs of the sort these men are peddling can take the life of addicts with one single overdose, therefore anyone caught trafficking in these deadly chemicals deserves to face life behind bars as their reward for selling poison.

Here we fuqin go again on a Thursday morning 🤦🏽‍♀️

These are one of the people of a particular concern in this country.

Which area is Bucknor in Lagos state please?

It's like the NDLEA under Tinubu government had been reinvigorated! One of the plus for Tinubu!

Why these people Dey behave like this nw

Rubbish.

The landlord of all drug barons is in Aso rock.

Why can't he be arrested?

Businessmen.

All na Bizness, it doesn't matter what the product is or it effects, as long as it brings money, they are good to go.

This is serious. They don't get tired. They can never change.

Ofunaofu:
We are in a drug barons regime

Abike Dabiri's sentiments are understandable, based on what Reno investigated and documented about her APC leader looter.

She is just been a greedy protector of her own share of the national cake.

swaggerjack:
Reno Omokri: I Challenge Tinubu To Prove If He Was Not A Drug Lord In Chicago




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DLrnL6rQ6M?si=uMMUVFfetODTr4Fw

Surplus money full drugs deals. The business goes on because of the massive profit gotten 🤷🏿

LuQuLuQu:
Which area is Bucknor in Lagos state please?

Ejigbo/Isheri axis.

Them plenty there

Are they really the barons? ... more like "field supervisors" to me. The real barons are likely these internet billionaire celebrities.

NDLEA

bribing gone wrong i guess

Kilode.

Is too much na. Drug dealers. Haba.