By Oluwakemi Kindness,
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dismantled a highly sophisticated Nigerian–Mexican methamphetamine production syndicate.
The agency said it also arrested the cartel kingpin, three Mexican nationals, and six other suspects, while recovering drugs and precursor chemicals valued at over ₦480 billion from a clandestine laboratory in Ogun State.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa (retd.), who stated this in a News conference in Abuja on Wednesday said the operation was carried out by elite operatives of the Special Operations Unit following months of intelligence gathering.
He said the primary target was a remote farm located at Abidagba Forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, which was being used as a massive clandestine methamphetamine laboratory by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO).
According to him, operatives overran the site in a simultaneous strike across Ogun and Lagos States, catching the syndicate off guard.
Mexican Experts Among 10 Arrested
Marwa said seven suspects were arrested at the forest laboratory, including three Mexican nationals allegedly brought into Nigeria as “meth cooks,” alongside four Nigerian collaborators.
Those arrested include:
* Nwankwo Sunday Christian (41)
* Igwe Abuchi Remijus (42)
* Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua (23)
* Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor (38)
* Martinez Felix Nemecto (46) – Mexican
* Jesus López Valles (40) – Mexican
* Torrero Juan Carlos (51) – Mexican
According to him, simultaneously, operatives arrested the cartel’s alleged mastermind, Anochili Innocent, at his luxury residence in Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos State.
A search of his residence reportedly led to the recovery of international passports and mobile phones belonging to the arrested Mexican suspects.
Follow-Up Arrests in Lagos
Marwa said follow-up operations on May 18, 2026, led to the arrest of another suspect, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa (44), at a property in Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, Lekki.
Another raid also targeted Emeka Nwobum, whose property was allegedly used as a strategic stash house for the cartel.
The total number of suspects in custody now stands at 10, including the cartel leader, three Mexicans, and six Nigerian collaborators.
₦480 Billion Meth Seized
The NDLEA boss said forensic and chemical analysis of materials recovered from the laboratory revealed a total seizure of 2,419.48 kilograms (over 2.4 tons) of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals.
He estimated the value at $362,922,000, equivalent to over ₦480 billion in the international market.
Marwa said the seized substances represented millions of street doses that could have caused widespread addiction, psychosis, and violence.
‘Nigeria Is a Hostile Territory for Cartels’ — Marwa
Marwa warned drug cartels that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for their operations, noting a growing trend of foreign specialists being recruited to set up drug production facilities in rural communities.
“We are fully aware of the shifting tactics of these cartels… no matter how deep into the bush you hide, the NDLEA will hunt you down, disrupt your networks and seize your ill-gotten wealth,” he said.
He commended NDLEA operatives and forensic teams for what he described as extraordinary professionalism and bravery.
Marwa also urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities such as unusual chemical odours or movements in isolated areas, warning that the forest lab was disguised as a regular farm.
“This war is for the soul of our nation, and we will not back down until we achieve a drug-free Nigeria,” he added.
