Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered and dismantled a major drug trafficking operation in Lagos, seizing tramadol and codeine consignments valued at over ₦16.9 billion.
The raid, which took place on April 17, 2026, followed coordinated intelligence that led officers to three warehouses hidden in a residential estate in the Okota area.
The locations included 98 Olukayode Awofisayo Street, Park View Estate, Ago Palace, and two additional properties at 5 Charles Ndumetu Street within the same estate.
During the operation, NDLEA officials recovered a total of 2.36 million pills of high-strength tramadol (225mg) and 1.9 million bottles of codeine syrup. The drugs were concealed in 19,094 cartons of codeine and 34 cartons of tramadol tablets, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the illegal distribution network.
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the seizure as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit drugs, noting that it effectively cripples a significant trafficking syndicate.
He commended the operatives involved, stating that the success of the mission reflects the agency’s growing intelligence capabilities and operational efficiency.
Marwa warned that traffickers would continue to face relentless enforcement, stressing that no part of the country would serve as a safe haven for drug cartels.
He said the discovery of such large quantities of narcotics within residential neighbourhoods underscores both the audacity of traffickers and the urgency of sustained crackdowns to protect communities, particularly young people, from the dangers of substance abuse.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.