RismadarVoice Reporters, May 20, 2026
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled a transnational methamphetamine production network involving Nigerian and Mexican nationals, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects, including three Mexican citizens and an alleged cartel leader.
The agency described the operation as one of its biggest breakthroughs against organised drug trafficking activities in the country.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed details of the operation during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to him, operatives from the agency’s Special Operations Unit carried out coordinated raids across Ogun and Lagos states on May 16, resulting in the discovery and closure of what he described as the largest illegal methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Nigeria.
The clandestine laboratory was reportedly located within the Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State and was allegedly linked to the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organisation.
Marwa said seven suspects were apprehended at the forest facility, including three Mexican nationals identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40; and Torrero Juan Carlos, 51.
Four Nigerians arrested during the operation were identified as Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 42; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38.
He explained that another NDLEA team simultaneously stormed the Lekki residence of the alleged leader of the syndicate, Anochili Innocent, located in the Lakowe area of Lagos, where he was taken into custody.
Investigators reportedly recovered international passports and mobile phones belonging to the three foreign suspects from the residence, which authorities believe may establish links between the cartel leader and the entry of the foreign nationals into Nigeria.
Further investigations led operatives to another property in Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, where an additional suspect identified as Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, 44, was arrested.
The NDLEA also raided the residence of another suspect, Emeka Nwobum, who was alleged to have managed a storage facility used by the syndicate.
Marwa disclosed that the operation led to the seizure of approximately 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of narcotics.
He estimated the street value of the recovered substances at about $362.9 million, equivalent to nearly N480 billion.
Vehicles allegedly connected to the operation, including a Toyota Tacoma used at the laboratory site and a Toyota Highlander recovered from the kingpin’s residence, were also seized.
The NDLEA chairman said the successful operation followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering, warning that authorities remain alert to emerging tactics employed by international drug networks.
He also raised concerns over what he described as a growing trend involving the recruitment of foreign specialists, particularly from South America, to establish illegal drug production facilities within Nigeria.
Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s determination to intensify its crackdown on drug trafficking organisations and urged citizens to provide useful information that could aid security agencies.
He warned that criminal groups operating across the country would continue to face sustained pressure from law enforcement authorities.
