In a bold and decisive operation against drug trafficking in Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled a major opioids cartel operating out of a residential estate in Lagos. The operation, driven by precise intelligence and meticulous planning, led to the arrest of a notorious baron, Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu, along with five other key members of his syndicate. Authorities recovered a staggering haul of illicit substances valued at over N6.7 billion, delivering a significant blow to the criminal networks preying on the nation’s youth.
The breakthrough came after credible intelligence revealed that the cartel was preparing to distribute massive quantities of opioids ahead of the Christmas season. Investigations indicated that over 7.2 million tramadol 225mg pills and 526,200 bottles (equivalent to 52.6 million milliliters) of codeine syrup were being hoarded at a secret warehouse located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri, Lagos. NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit moved swiftly, executing a coordinated crackdown between Wednesday, November 19, and Thursday, November 20, 2025.
The first arrests occurred on November 19, when operatives trailed and apprehended two syndicate members, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos, while they were transporting 300 cartons of opioids. A follow-up raid the next day at the Bucknor warehouse led to the arrest of Nwanagu and other key members, including Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.
The seized drugs included a total of 7,272,000 tramadol pills, valued at N3.96 billion, and 53 million milliliters of codeine syrup worth over N2.76 billion. The combined street value of the confiscated substances amounted to a jaw-dropping N6.72 billion. Eleven trucks were employed to move the contraband to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos, ensuring secure custody.
Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), commended the officers involved, highlighting the professionalism and dedication displayed during the operation. He described the arrests and seizure as a decisive victory for Nigeria, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to targeting the kingpins and financiers behind the illicit drug trade. “The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over,” he stressed.
Brig Gen Marwa further emphasized that the agency’s unwavering focus remains on dismantling the networks that threaten public safety and fueling addiction. He lauded the Special Operations Unit and Strike Force Unit for their efforts, underscoring that the law will relentlessly pursue every merchant of death, no matter how deeply concealed.
This landmark operation not only prevents a vast quantity of dangerous opioids from reaching the streets but also sends a strong signal to criminal networks across Nigeria: NDLEA is resolute in its mission to safeguard the nation’s youth and secure communities from the scourge of drugs.