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OGUN, Nigeria - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has eliminated 1.6 million kilograms of illegal drugs in Ogun.
The narcotics commander for Ogun NDLEA, Tijana Rabe, oversees the event that took place on Saturday in Ipara town along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
She described the initiative as a first for Ogun, underscoring the command's advancements in the battle against drug abuse.
The confiscated drugs were sourced from NDLEA commands within Zones 9 and 11, which include the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun Command, Oyo Command, MMIA Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko, and the Seme Border Commands.
Rabe acknowledged that the accomplishments could not solely be attributed to NDLEA, as various other security forces had vital roles in the operation.
She praised the Nigerian Police, NSCDC, Army, Immigration, and Amotekun for their considerable assistance in the ongoing fight against drugs.
The Ogun NDLEA team also expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his unwavering support in the 'War Against Drug Abuse' initiative.
“This governmental backing motivates us to achieve more. Drug traffickers are being identified and brought to justice,” she stated.
Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, Maj.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), remarked that this event reflects their dedication to eliminating drug abuse.
Marwa, represented by deputy commander-general of Narcotics, Ibrahim Abdul, referred to the operation as indicative of the agency’s determination.
He emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This highlights the scale of the illicit drug crisis facing Nigeria.”
Among the drugs destroyed were 123 kg of cocaine, 46.8 kg of heroin, 1.4 million kg of cannabis, 148,000 kg of codeine syrup, and 1.544 kg of skuchies. Additionally, 111 kg of methamphetamine and various other illegal substances seized from different regions and border points were also included.
Marwa noted that Lagos and Ogun are major hotspots due to their international and land borders, which attract illicit drug activities.
“To traffickers, times have changed. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to ending this issue,” he emphasized.
He also mentioned that the NDLEA is ready to take firm actions against anyone who violates the nation’s drug laws. Over the last four years, 10,572 drug offenders have been convicted and are currently serving prison sentences nationwide.
