….. “You’re no longer untouchable; we’ll smoke you out of your hiding.” Marwa Warns
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have continued their offensive action against drug syndicates in a nationwide crackdown. In a significant milestone, the agency dismantled an opioids cartel during an intelligence-led operation. They arrested a key baron, Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu, and five members of his gang. Illicit substances worth over N6.7 billion were recovered from their secret warehouse, located within a residential estate in Lagos.
The significant success was recorded following credible intelligence that the Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO) was about to distribute over 7.2 million pills of tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles of codeine syrup ahead of the Christmas festive season.
Acting on this information, officers of a NDLEA Special Operations Unit led a well-coordinated operation between November 19 and 20, 2025. The team successfully rounded up members of the syndicate and dismantled their criminal network. The illicit substances were warehoused in a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos State.
This information was contained in a statement signed by the agency’s Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday, November 26.
Babafemi further clarified the operation’s timeline and arrests. Two members of the Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO), Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were first trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos on Wednesday, November 19. They were caught in the act of conveying 300 cartons of illicit opioids in a truck. A follow-up operation the very next day, Thursday, November 20, targeted the syndicate’s warehouse at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor. This second raid led to the arrest of the primary baron, Onyekachi Nwanagu, and other syndicate members: Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.”
The agency confirmed the massive scope of the recovery. ”In total, officers seized 7,272,000 pills of tramadol 225mg worth N3.96 billion and 53 million milliliters of codeine syrup valued at over N2.76 billion.
This brings the combined street value of the recovered drugs to a staggering N6.72 billion. The entire haul was successfully moved out of the residential estate in eleven trucks and transported to the NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.”
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the Commander and operatives of the Special Operations and Strike Force Units for dismantling the syndicate. He praised the officers’ professionalism and dedication, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to cartels preying on Nigerian youth.
“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement,” Marwa declared.
He continued, “The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fuelled 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.
The Chairman, however, maintained that the NDLEA’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,” he stated firmly.
Marwa continued, “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.”
