Nigeria's Crackdown on Fake and Illicit Drugs: 500 Containers Destroyed

Nigeria's Crackdown on Fake and Illicit Drugs: 500 Containers Destroyed

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has intensified efforts to combat fake and illicit drugs in Nigeria, revealing that since January 2025, 500 containers of Tramadol and other dangerous substances have been uncovered at Nigerian ports and markets and subsequently destroyed.

In a short documentary, the ONSA highlighted the widespread infiltration of counterfeit medications, which remains a major challenge in the country. To address this, a special committee—comprising representatives from NAFDAC, the Nigerian Army, the Police, and the NSCDC was launched in January 2025 to identify and dismantle illicit drug operations.

The dismantling of fake drug sites in Anambra and Lagos has made headlines, reflecting the impact of the coordinated intervention led by the NSA and joint security forces. These actions mirror the successful anti-counterfeit drug campaigns of Dora Akunyili’s era, signaling renewed momentum in Nigeria's fight against fake drugs.