NDLEA uncovers N6.7bn opioid warehouse, arrests drug baron, accomplices

By Stanley Ihedigbo

In a sweeping crackdown on drug syndicates across the country, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered an opioids cartel operating from a residential estate in Lagos, arresting suspected kingpin Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and five members of his network. The raid yielded illicit drugs valued at over N6.7 billion.

According to the Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, credible intelligence revealed that the drug trafficking organisation (DTO) was about to distribute over 7.2 million pills of Tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million ml) of codeine syrup warehoused in a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos State, ahead of the Christmas festive season.
Following this, officers of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit led a well-coordinated operation between Wednesday, 19th, and Thursday, 20th November 2025, to round up members of the syndicate and dismantle their criminal network.

Two members of the DTO, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos on Wednesday, 19th November, while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.

A follow-up operation at the syndicate’s warehouse on Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, the following day—Thursday, 20th November—led to the arrest of Onyekachi Nwanagu and other members of his syndicate, including Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.

In total, 7,272,000 pills of Tramadol 225mg worth N3.9 billion, and 53 million ml of codeine syrup valued at over N2.7 billion, bringing the combined street value of the seized drugs to N6.7 billion, were recovered and moved out of the estate in eleven trucks to the NDLEA’s Central Exhibit Complex in Lagos.

While commending the Commander and operatives of the Special Operations Unit, as well as those of the Strike Force Unit involved in the dismantling of the syndicate, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the officers’ professionalism and dedication, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to cartels preying on Nigeria’s youth.

“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement. The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Marwa stated.

He emphasized that the Agency’s focus remains squarely on the kingpins and financiers of the illicit drug trade.
“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death—no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are.”