The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has obtained an interim forfeiture order for 17 containers laden with illicit opioids valued at over N33.6 billion, in a significant escalation of its anti-drug trafficking operations.
The order was granted by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, following an ex parte motion filed by the agency. In his ruling, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed directed that custody and control of the seized containers be transferred to the Federal Government pending the final determination of the case.
The containers were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted between April and September 2025. Investigations revealed that the shipments contained approximately 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, as well as 2.49 million bottles of Codeine syrup, with a combined weight of 365,657 kilogrammes.
Justice Mohammed, in granting the application, described the consignments as illegally imported and linked to unidentified individuals. He further ordered that the NDLEA retain custody of the exhibits until the matter is conclusively resolved.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa, described the forfeiture as a major blow to drug trafficking syndicates. He noted that the action goes beyond routine enforcement, targeting the financial backbone of organised criminal networks.
“This is not just a seizure; it is a total dispossession of resources meant to fuel destruction, addiction, and criminality,” Marwa said, adding that the forfeiture underscores Nigeria’s determination to disrupt illicit drug economies and associated crimes, including terrorism financing.
He commended the judiciary for its prompt intervention and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between enforcement agencies and the courts. Marwa also praised NDLEA operatives at the Onne Port Command for their vigilance and professionalism in uncovering the concealed shipments.
The NDLEA boss further acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Customs Service, port stakeholders, and international partners whose intelligence and technical assistance contributed to the successful operation.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and curb substance abuse nationwide.
