The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major opioid trafficking network in Lagos, recovering illicit drugs valued at more than N6.7 billion and arresting the alleged kingpin, Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu, along with five members of his syndicate.

The Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the operation was based on credible intelligence that the drug trafficking organisation was preparing to distribute over 7.2 million tramadol pills (225mg) and 526,200 bottles of codeine syrup ahead of the Christmas season.

According to him, the drugs were stored in a warehouse located inside a residential building at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri, Isolo, Lagos. A coordinated raid carried out by NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit between 19 and 20 November 2025 led to the arrests and seizure.

Two members of the syndicate, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were first intercepted at Apple Junction, Festac, on 19 November while transporting 300 cartons of opioids in a truck. A follow-up operation at the Bucknor warehouse the next day resulted in the arrest of Nwanagu and three others—Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.

In total, the NDLEA recovered 7,272,000 tramadol pills valued at N3.96 billion, alongside 53 million millilitres of codeine syrup worth N2.76 billion, amounting to a combined street value of N6,722,550,000. The seized drugs were evacuated from the estate in 11 trucks and moved to the NDLEA’s central exhibit facility in Lagos.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), lauded the operation, describing it as a significant victory against drug cartels targeting Nigerian youths. He commended the professionalism of the Special Operations Unit and Strike Force personnel involved.

“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement,” Marwa said. “The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity, is a major win for the Nigerian people and reaffirms our commitment to the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Marwa further emphasized the agency’s intensified crackdown on drug barons and financiers, warning that no trafficker is beyond the reach of the law.

“The days when drug lords believed they were untouchable are over. This arrest sends a strong message that every merchant of death will eventually face justice, no matter how hidden they think they are,” he added.