KEY POINTS

• NDLEA intercepted illicit drugs worth over ₦5 billion at Onne Port in Rivers State within one year, including more than 3.5 million opioid tablets and 1.2 million bottles of codeine.
• The agency attributed the seizures to improved intelligence gathering and collaboration with security agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, DSS, Navy, and Nigerian Ports Authority.
• NDLEA warned that drug traffickers are adopting technology, social media, and designer drugs to expand their operations, while calling for greater public support in combating drug abuse.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says it has successfully prevented illicit drugs valued at more than ₦5 billion from entering Nigeria through Onne Port in Rivers State over the past year, dealing a significant blow to international drug trafficking syndicates.

The agency disclosed that the seizures included millions of opioid tablets and bottles of codeine syrup, which could have found their way into communities across the country if they had not been intercepted.

Speaking during the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) celebration held in Port Harcourt, the NDLEA Commander at Onne Port, Omerio Odo, revealed that officers intercepted seven containers loaded with illicit pharmaceutical products.

According to him, the recovered drugs comprised more than 3.5 million opioid tablets and 1.2 million bottles of codeine syrup, weighing a combined 206 tonnes.

Describing the seizure as a major victory against drug trafficking, Odo said the intercepted substances represented “the weight of misery and destruction” that would have devastated countless Nigerian families and communities while enriching criminal networks.

He stressed that preventing the drugs from reaching the streets has saved many lives and reduced the availability of dangerous substances capable of fueling addiction and crime.

Improved Intelligence Behind the Success

Odo attributed the success of the operations to enhanced intelligence gathering, increased vigilance by officers, and stronger collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies operating at the nation’s seaports.

He commended the support of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), terminal operators, and other stakeholders whose cooperation has strengthened efforts to detect and intercept illegal shipments.

According to him, the partnership has significantly improved the agency’s capacity to identify suspicious consignments before they enter the Nigerian market.

While describing Onne Port as one of Nigeria’s most strategic maritime gateways for legitimate trade, the NDLEA commander warned that drug trafficking organisations continue to exploit sea routes in attempts to smuggle prohibited substances into the country.

He assured Nigerians that the command would sustain what he described as “relentless and ruthless” enforcement operations to ensure that illegal drugs are intercepted before reaching consumers.