April 29, (THEWILL) — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered and raided three illicit drug warehouses concealed within a residential estate in the Okota area of Lagos State, recovering over 4.3 million units of opioids valued at N16.9 billion.
A statement signed on Wednesday by the agency Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the intelligence-led operation led to the seizure of 2,360,000 pills of high-potency tramadol 225mg and 1,909,400 bottles of codeine syrup with a combined estimated street value of N16,927,200,000.
According to the NDLEA, the coordinated raids were conducted on Friday, April 17, 2026, at three separate locations within Park View Estate, Ago Palace, Okota, where members of a suspected drug syndicate allegedly operated hidden storage facilities for illegal pharmaceutical products.
One of the warehouses was located at 98 Olukayode Awofisayo Street, while two additional warehouses were uncovered at 5 Charles Ndumetu Street, all within the same estate in Okota.
A breakdown of the seizure showed that NDLEA operatives recovered 19,094 cartons containing 1,909,400 bottles of codeine syrup, alongside another consignment of 2,360,000 pills of tramadol 225mg packed in 34 cartons.
The agency said the successful operation dealt a major blow to the illegal pharmaceutical drug market and disrupted the activities of a significant trafficking network operating within Lagos.
Reacting to the development, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved in the operation, describing the seizure as a monumental victory against criminal drug syndicates.
Marwa said the operation demonstrated the agency’s growing intelligence capabilities and commitment to protecting Nigerians from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and trafficking.
“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 stressed that there would be no hiding place for drug traffickers anywhere in the country, warning that the agency would continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations nationwide.
“There is no safe haven for drug traffickers in Nigeria. Whether they hide their illicit goods in elite mansions 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,” Marwa warned.
Investigations into the ownership of the warehouses and those behind the illicit consignments are ongoing, with the agency expected to launch further operations aimed at arresting suspects connected to the drug network.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive anti-narcotics operations across the country as part of broader efforts to curb substance abuse, protect public health and strengthen national security.
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