NDLEA reports Nigerian ports seized over 2.5 million kg of illicit drugs worth N3tn between 2021 and 2025, highlighting intensified enforcement
Nigerian seaports have recorded seizures of illicit drugs valued at over N3 trillion between 2021 and 2025, according to data released by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
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The statistics show a total of 2,553,132.90 kilograms of drugs confiscated across major ports and marine commands nationwide, reflecting both the scale of maritime trafficking and intensified enforcement efforts over the five-year period.
Seizure figures fluctuated significantly across the years. In 2021, authorities intercepted 96,690.90 kg, dropping to 20,296.70 kg in 2022 before rising to 86,169.54 kg in 2023.
The figures spiked dramatically in 2024, reaching 1,745,422.75 kg, before settling at 605,553.01 kg in 2025.
A port-by-port analysis revealed that Apapa Port recorded 33,540 kg in 2021, 17,759.74 kg in 2022, 85,491.59 kg in 2023, 54,116.17 kg in 2024, and 153,028.19 kg in 2025.
Tin Can Island Port saw seizures rise from 22,725.60 kg in 2021 to 1,881.80 kg in 2022, followed by 654.40 kg in 2023, before surging to 454,586.54 kg in 2024 and 30,815.21 kg in 2025.
Port Harcourt Seaport Command posted some of the largest figures, moving from 40,425.30 kg in 2021 to a low of 23.55 kg in 2023 before a massive spike to 1,227,595.42 kg in 2024 and 410,553.61 kg in 2025.
Marine Command operations also intensified, recording 9,121.49 kg in 2024 and 11,156 kg in 2025, underscoring expanded surveillance along Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.
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The NDLEA attributed the figures to persistent enforcement and enhanced intelligence-led operations at ports, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to combatting maritime drug trafficking.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
