The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered the largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory ever discovered in Nigeria.
On May 16, NDLEA operatives from the Special Operations Unit (SOU), launched coordinated operations across Ogun State and Lagos States. This led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of an international drug trafficking syndicate and seizing illicit substances worth over ₦480 billion.
Reports revealed that the primary target was a remote farm located in Abidagba Forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. A place where the authorities discovered a large and highly dangerous clandestine methamphetamine laboratory hidden deep within the forest.
Notably, the laboratory was operated by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organization, which was allegedly producing industrial-scale quantities of methamphetamine.
However, NDLEA operatives stormed the forest facility, secured the area, catching members of the syndicate off guard. Leading to the arrest of seven key suspects involved in processing the illicit substances at the site.
Among those apprehended were three Mexican nationals identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40; and Torrero Juan Carlos, 51, who were reportedly brought into Nigeria specifically to manufacture methamphetamine.
Also arrested were four Nigerian collaborators: Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 42; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38.
NDLEA arrests drug syndicate kingpin
Another NDLEA tactical team raided the luxury residence of the alleged drug kingpin. Identified as Anochili Innocent, located at No. 8 Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos, where he was arrested.
The search also led to the recovery of the international passports and mobile phones belonging to the three Mexican suspects. Giving the drug baron directly to the importation and coordination of the foreign meth cooks.
Further investigations led operatives to another property owned by the suspect where another syndicate member, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, 44, was arrested on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Without further ado, NDLEA officers also stormed the residence of another alleged syndicate member, Emeka Nwobum, whose property was reportedly being used as the cartel’s strategic stash house.
The agency said the operation brought the total number of arrests to 10, including the alleged drug baron. Three Mexican specialists, and six Nigerian collaborators, all of whom are currently in NDLEA custody.
A massive total of 2,419.48 kilograms of chemical substances, including highly toxic, volatile, and crystallized methamphetamine were confiscated. And it’s estimated to be worth $362,922,000 (over ₦480 billion) on the international market.
The NDLEA described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against organized drug crime. While warning that the syndicate’s activities posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s national security and public health, highlighting the agency’s growing concerns about the over establishment of industrial scale illicit drug production networks within the country.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
