Six individuals suspected of being part of a drug cartel were apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after discovering N6.7bn worth of illicit substances in a Lagos warehouse. The operation resulted in the arrest of Onyekachi Nwanagu, described as a drug baron, and five associates. The seized substances included over 7.2 million tramadol pills and 52.6 million ml of codeine syrup.
The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stated that the agency acted on intelligence suggesting the cartel planned to distribute the drugs ahead of the Christmas season. The operation was carried out between November 19 and 20, 2025, in a residential area in Isolo, Lagos.
According to the report, two cartel members, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were arrested on November 19 at Apple Junction, FESTAC, while transporting 300 cartons of opioids. A subsequent warehouse raid led to the arrest of Nwanagu and other syndicate members. The seized substances included 7,272,000 pills of tramadol and 53 million ml of codeine syrup, valued at N6.7bn.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised the officers involved, stating the seizure was a significant blow to drug cartels targeting Nigerian youth. He emphasized the agency's focus on dismantling drug kingpins and financiers, warning that the law would catch up with them.
A similar operation on November 15 resulted in the arrest of Frank Chijioke Ibemesi, another wanted "drug baron".
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