The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has reported that it seized more than two billion tramadol pills in the last 18 months.
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), the Chairman of the NDLEA, shared this information on Thursday while visiting the Lekki Free Trade Zone and Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.
Marwa explained that the seizures came from coordinated operations and sharing of intelligence with international partners, especially from India and Pakistan.
He said, “Within the last 18 months, we have seized more than two billion pills of tramadol through coordinated operations and intelligence sharing with our international partners, especially in India and Pakistan.”
The NDLEA chairman warned drug traffickers not to use the country’s ports to move illegal drugs. He mentioned that the agency has improved its surveillance and intelligence capabilities.
He stated that the NDLEA is working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and other security agencies. This cooperation is based on existing agreements to share information and transfer cases effectively.
Marwa emphasized the need for stronger teamwork among government agencies, port operators, and other stakeholders at the Lekki Free Trade Zone. This collaboration is vital to fight drug trafficking and protect Nigeria’s economy.
He described the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Free Trade Zone as important national assets. He said protecting these facilities from criminal groups needs a united effort.
He said, “The fight against drug abuse and trafficking cannot be left to the NDLEA alone.
Nigeria is facing a very serious drug challenge. We are all parents, and we see what drug abuse is doing to our youths.”
“It cannot be the responsibility of the NDLEA alone. It requires total societal collaboration.”
Marwa said the agency is dedicated to disrupting the cultivation, production, importation, trafficking, and distribution of illegal drugs in Nigeria.
He mentioned a recent discovery of a secret methamphetamine lab in Ogun State. He said this lab, if not stopped, would have produced illegal drugs worth about $360 million.
The NDLEA chairman noted that the Federal High Court recently visited the forest where the lab was found. This was part of the ongoing trial of the suspects.
He added that those responsible for the illegal factory, including foreign nationals, should face serious consequences under the law.
Marwa also advised parents to watch for signs of drug use in their children and to seek help early if needed.
He said, “If there is any suspicion that a family member is using drugs, it is important to conduct a drug test and seek help immediately. Early intervention is better than waiting until addiction leads to psychiatric problems or even death.”
He expressed hope that the proposed changes to the NDLEA Act would lead to harsher penalties for drug traffickers and improve the country’s fight against illegal drugs.
Earlier, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, the Managing Director of Lekki Free Zone, promised to continue working with the NDLEA to keep the area free from illegal drugs and criminal activities.
Mr. Wang Qiang, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, also reaffirmed the port’s support for the NDLEA and other security agencies. He said China has a strict no-tolerance policy toward illegal drugs.
In his welcome remarks, Jonah Achema, the Area Commander of NDLEA at Lekki Deep Sea Port, described the command as a lasting achievement of the chairman. He said Marwa has consistently supported it since it was set up in 2022.
He noted that the command has quickly made significant seizures of tramadol and other illegal drugs, showing its readiness to fight drug trafficking through Nigeria’s newest seaport.
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