The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the recovery of more than 1,000 kilograms of cocaine from a container at the PTML Terminal of Tincan Island Port in Lagos. The seizure, described as one of the largest of its kind in Nigeria, has exposed an international drug cartel operating across multiple countries.
The NDLEA revealed that the discovery followed the vigilance of port operators, who noticed an unusual consignment in an empty container over the weekend. The PTML management immediately alerted relevant stakeholders, including the NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other security agencies, prompting a joint examination of the container.
Following field tests by NDLEA officials, the shipment was confirmed to contain Class A drugs, specifically cocaine. The consignment was subsequently transferred to NDLEA custody on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, for further investigation.
According to Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, the recovered cocaine is valued at over $235 million (approximately N338 billion) on the international market. This makes it one of the most significant drug seizures in Nigeria in recent years.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the seizure as a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking. “The magnitude of this recovery calls for a thorough investigation, involving not just national authorities but our leading international partners,” Marwa said.
The operation has seen close collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA), reflecting the global nature of the cartel behind the shipment. Marwa emphasized that the cooperation is aimed at ensuring that “no stone is left unturned” and that all masterminds of the cocaine consignment are brought to justice, regardless of their location worldwide.
The recovery highlights the growing sophistication of international drug cartels operating in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. Experts have warned that ports, due to their volume of cargo, are particularly vulnerable to drug trafficking. Tincan Island, one of Nigeria’s busiest ports, has become a key target for traffickers attempting to move illegal substances into global markets.
In the Lagos operation, the NDLEA worked closely with the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, to secure the consignment and prevent any further illegal distribution. The collaborative approach demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of multi-agency and international cooperation in tackling transnational crimes.
Brigadier General Marwa further explained, “Our engagement with international partners ensures that the investigation is comprehensive. We are committed to dismantling this cartel and ensuring that those involved face justice, whether they are in Nigeria or abroad.”
The involvement of the DEA and NCA underscores the seriousness of the case. Both agencies have deployed officers to assist Nigerian authorities with forensic analysis, intelligence gathering, and tracing the international networks that facilitate the smuggling of drugs into and through Nigeria.
This seizure also reflects broader trends in drug trafficking across West Africa. According to recent reports by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), West Africa has become a key transit route for cocaine from Latin America to Europe and other parts of the world. Nigeria’s strategic location, combined with its busy ports and major cities, makes it a critical hub in these trafficking networks.
Babafemi of NDLEA noted that the agency will continue to collaborate with global partners to prevent the flow of illegal drugs into Nigeria. He called for sustained vigilance at ports and other entry points to curb the activities of drug traffickers.
The recovered cocaine will undergo further forensic and intelligence analysis to identify the networks and individuals responsible for importing the drugs. Law enforcement officials have vowed to pursue the case vigorously, signaling that Nigeria remains committed to cracking down on drug-related crimes and dismantling international cartels operating within its borders.
Nigeria has faced persistent challenges from drug trafficking due to its strategic geographic location and busy ports. Over the years, the NDLEA, working alongside Customs and international agencies, has intercepted numerous shipments of cocaine, heroin, and other illegal substances. The agency has increasingly relied on intelligence-driven operations and international cooperation to combat the growing threat of transnational drug networks.
The recent seizure at Tincan Island Port serves as a reminder of the scale and sophistication of drug cartels. By collaborating with the DEA and NCA, Nigeria is strengthening its position in the global fight against drug trafficking.