By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a transnational Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine syndicate operating from a massive clandestine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Ogun State, arresting a Lagos-based drug baron, three Mexican nationals and six other suspects.

The operation, described by the agency as one of the biggest anti-narcotics breakthroughs in Nigeria’s history, also led to the recovery of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals valued at over N480 billion. The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

Addressing journalists at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, said the coordinated operation was carried out by operatives of the Special Operations Unit after months of intelligence gathering.

According to him, the operation targeted a remote forest camp at Abidagba in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where the cartel operated what he described as the largest clandestine meth laboratory ever discovered in Nigeria, as well as luxury properties linked to the syndicate in the Lekki area of Lagos State.

Marwa said the operation dealt “another crippling blow to the heart of transnational organised crime.”

“Through a clinical, simultaneous operation executed by the elite operatives of our Special Operations Unit, we have successfully dismantled a sophisticated transnational methamphetamine production syndicate run jointly by a Nigerian drug cartel and their Mexican counterparts,” he said.

He disclosed that seven suspects were arrested at the Ogun forest laboratory, including three Mexican nationals allegedly recruited to manufacture methamphetamine in Nigeria.

The suspects include Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, as well as the Mexican nationals identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles and Torrero Juan Carlos.

Marwa said another tactical team simultaneously stormed the Lekki residence of the alleged cartel leader, identified as Anochili Innocent, located at No. 8 Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe.

He said operatives recovered the international passports and mobile phones of the arrested Mexican nationals from the residence, linking the suspect directly to their recruitment and operations in Nigeria.

The NDLEA boss further revealed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of another suspect, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, at a property in Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, while investigators also uncovered another property allegedly used as the cartel’s stash house.

He said a total of 10 suspects, including the alleged kingpin, three Mexican nationals and six Nigerian collaborators, are currently in NDLEA custody.

Providing details of the seizure, Marwa said operatives recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals estimated at $362.9 million in street value.

“The sheer volume of dangerous precursor chemicals, industrial solvents and finished products recovered is staggering,” he said.

“To put this in perspective, the 2,419.48 kilograms of finished and liquid methamphetamine seized represents millions of street doses that would have flooded our local communities and international markets, causing untold destruction, psychosis and violence.”

Recovered items also included a Toyota Tacoma vehicle allegedly used for operations at the forest laboratory and a Toyota Highlander linked to the cartel leader.

Marwa warned local and international drug cartels that Nigeria would no longer be a safe haven for illicit drug operations.

“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,” he 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 also commended the NDLEA operatives involved in the operation and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities and movements within their communities.