The surprise operation by NDLEA operatives at Proxy Nightclub in Victoria Island sent shockwaves through Lagos’ nightlife scene. Known for hosting exclusive parties attended by socialites and influencers, the club became the center of a major anti-drug enforcement action in the early hours of Sunday.
According to reports, NDLEA agents had been tipped off about a “drug-fueled event” organized at the club, prompting the deployment of undercover operatives who infiltrated the gathering hours before the raid. The operatives reportedly monitored the situation from 11 p.m. on Saturday, observing open use and distribution of various illicit substances before moving in around 3 a.m.
When the agency made its move, the operation caught attendees off guard. Loud music was cut abruptly as NDLEA operatives secured exits, ensuring no one escaped. Eyewitnesses described the moment as “a scene straight out of a movie”, with clubgoers left stunned as officers moved from one section to another, collecting evidence and arresting suspects.
Over 100 individuals, including the club’s controversial owner and Lagos socialite Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, better known as Pretty Mike, were taken into custody for screening. The NDLEA confirmed the recovery of cartons of Loud (a potent cannabis strain), nitrous oxide canisters (laughing gas), and other psychoactive substances from both the club’s store and party area.
This latest bust signals NDLEA’s intensifying crackdown on the use and distribution of drugs within Lagos’ nightlife circuit. The agency has consistently warned against the rising trend of “drug-themed parties” exclusive events where hard substances are allegedly distributed under the guise of entertainment.
A senior NDLEA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“Our operations are now intelligence-driven. We’re focusing on venues that promote drug culture among young people. The goal is not just to arrest, but to disrupt the supply chain and prevent normalization of drug abuse in social spaces.”
The agency added that all suspects are currently undergoing profiling and screening, after which those found culpable will face prosecution in line with Nigeria’s drug laws.
The raid has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians divided. While some praised NDLEA for its vigilance and consistency, others expressed concern about the agency’s methods, urging due process in handling those arrested.
Pretty Mike, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and controversial appearances at social events, has not yet issued an official statement as of the time of this report.
The nightclub raid is part of a nationwide NDLEA operation that also saw the interception of cocaine, methamphetamine, and tramadol shipments across several states, including Lagos, Enugu, Kwara, Taraba, and Abia.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has reiterated the agency’s commitment to a balanced approach that combines strict enforcement with community-based education under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
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