The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major opioids cartel in Lagos, recovering illicit drugs valued at over N6.7 billion and arresting an alleged drug baron, Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu, along with five members of his syndicate.
The nationwide offensive, driven by intelligence gathering, culminated in a coordinated Special Operations raid between November 19th and 20th, 2025, targeting a secret drug warehouse located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri, Isolo, Lagos.
According to a press release on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, signed by the NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, credible intelligence revealed that the syndicate was preparing to distribute over 7.2 million pills of Tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million millilitres) of codeine syrup ahead of the Christmas season.
During the operation, two suspects, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were intercepted at Apple Junction, Festac, on Wednesday, 19th November, while transporting 300 cartons of opioids in a truck. A follow-up raid on the Bucknor warehouse the next day led to the arrest of Nwanagu and other gang members identified as Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.
A total of 7,272,000 pills of Tramadol 225mg worth N3.96 billion and 53 million millilitres of codeine syrup valued at N2.76 billion were recovered. The exhibits were evacuated from the estate in 11 trucks and transferred to the NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) described the seizure as a significant victory against drug trafficking networks threatening public safety.
“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement,” Marwa said. “The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. We will smoke them out of their hiding places. This operation reaffirms our commitment to dismantling the cartels endangering our youth and communities.”
He praised the Special Operations Unit and Strike Force operatives for their professionalism and resilience, noting that the mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to guide the Agency’s determination to target drug kingpins and financiers.
The NDLEA said investigations are ongoing to uncover additional links connected to the cartel.
