April 21, (THEWILL) — A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has ordered interim forfeiture to the Federal Government of illicit drugs valued at over ₦33.6 billion, intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, said the forfeited consignment comprises 17 shipping containers intercepted across multiple operations between April and September 2025. The seizures were made on April 29; May 14, 19, 20, 28, and 29; June 30; July 29; August 13 and 14; and September 4.
Inside the containers, operatives uncovered an enormous cache of illicit pharmaceutical substances, including 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, as well as 2,496,400 bottles of Codeine syrup. The total weight of the seized drugs stands at 365,657 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₦33,691,200,000.
The forfeiture order followed a motion ex parte filed by the NDLEA on February 10, 2026, under suit number FHC/PH/MISC/25/2026.
In his ruling, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed ordered the interim forfeiture of the containers and their contents to the Federal Government of Nigeria, citing their illegal importation by unidentified persons.
The court further directed that custody and possession of the containers remain with the NDLEA pending the final determination of the case. The ruling effectively strips suspected drug syndicates of both the seized narcotics and the financial gains tied to them, marking a critical disruption of their operations.
Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the forfeiture as a decisive strike against organised criminal networks.
“This is not just a seizure. It is a total dispossession of the resources the drug cartels intended to use in destroying the lives of our youths and funding further criminality”, he said.
Marwa emphasised that the scale of the forfeiture sends a strong signal about the government’s determination to combat drug trafficking and its links to broader security threats.
“By stripping the criminal syndicates of assets worth over ₦33.6 billion, we have struck at the heart of their operations. This sends a clear message: the Nigerian state will not allow the proceeds of death to circulate to fund terrorism and other forms of criminality in our country.”
He also commended the judiciary for its prompt and firm intervention, noting that legal backing is essential in ensuring that enforcement actions translate into lasting impact. According to him, the collaboration between law enforcement and the courts remains a cornerstone in the fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
Marwa praised the officers and personnel of the NDLEA, particularly those at the Onne Port Command, for their vigilance and professionalism in detecting the concealed drugs, describing their “eagle-eyed scrutiny” as instrumental in uncovering the shipments.
He further acknowledged the support of other agencies, especially the Nigeria Customs Service and port stakeholders, whose cooperation facilitated the successful interdiction.
International partners were equally recognised for their role in intelligence sharing and technical assistance, which the agency described as vital to its operational success.
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