NDLEA says it has dismantled what it described as the largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory ever uncovered in Nigeria, arresting 10 suspects including three Mexican nationals and an alleged cartel leader.
The operation, carried out in Ogun and Lagos states, exposed what authorities called a transnational drug syndicate involving Nigerian and foreign collaborators operating deep inside a forest in Ogun State.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, said operatives from the agency’s Special Operations Unit conducted coordinated raids on May 16, 2026, leading to the discovery of the methamphetamine production facility in Abidagba forest, located in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to Marwa, the laboratory was allegedly operated by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organisation. Seven suspects were arrested at the forest site, including three Mexican nationals identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40; and Torrero Juan Carlos, 51.
The four Nigerian suspects arrested at the laboratory were named as Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 42; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38.
NDLEA operatives also raided the Lekki residence of the alleged cartel leader, Anochili Innocent, located at Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lagos, where he was arrested.
Marwa disclosed that investigators recovered the international passports and mobile phones belonging to the Mexican suspects from the residence, which authorities believe linked the alleged kingpin to their entry and activities in Nigeria.
A follow-up operation on May 18 reportedly led officers to another property connected to the syndicate at Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, where another suspect, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, 44, was arrested.
The agency also raided the residence of Emeka Nwobum, who is alleged to have operated a stash house for the cartel.
According to the NDLEA, the operation resulted in the seizure of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals with an estimated street value of $362.9 million, equivalent to about N480 billion.
Vehicles allegedly linked to the operation, including a Toyota Tacoma and a Toyota Highlander, were also recovered during the raids.
Marwa said the breakthrough followed months of intelligence gathering and surveillance, warning that drug trafficking groups were increasingly bringing in foreign specialists from South America to establish methamphetamine production facilities in Nigeria.
“We are fully aware of the shifting tactics of these cartels, including the disturbing trend of hiring South American cartel specialists to set up production factories in our rural communities,” Marwa said.
“Let it be known that no matter how deep into the bush you hide, no matter how secure your gated estate is, the NDLEA will hunt you down, disrupt your networks, and seize your ill-gotten wealth,” he added.
The NDLEA chairman commended the agency’s Special Operations Unit and forensic teams for the success of the operation and urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities within their communities.
