The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 77,792 drug offenders, including 128 major barons. It also secured 14,225 convictions and seized over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances in the past five years. This was announced by NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation ceremony in Abuja.
Marwa said the agency’s achievements reflect its determination to end Nigeria’s status as a haven for drug traffickers. “When I resumed in 2021, I promised to take the fight to the doorsteps of the merchants of death. Today, the numbers speak for themselves,” he said.
He added that the agency’s operations disrupted both local and international drug networks. Furthermore, 32,442 drug users received treatment and counselling, while 13,735 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) awareness programs were conducted nationwide in schools, workplaces, worship centres, and communities.
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Marwa thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and the trust placed in the agency. He said the president’s decision to extend NDLEA’s mandate calls for heightened efforts in the second tenure. “The successes of the past five years are merely a foundation. We will escalate the fight against drug abuse and trafficking,” he stressed.
During the ceremony, 166 NDLEA personnel and 17 commands were honoured for courage and integrity.
Marwa encouraged all officers to draw inspiration from the awardees’ dedication. He emphasised that motivation and discipline remain crucial to sustaining the agency’s strong performance.
Call for Tactical Excellence
Marwa warned officers that the next phase requires even greater tactical sophistication. “We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars, every trafficker intercepted, every mule caught, and every gram of illicit drug removed from our streets,” he said.
He highlighted that NDLEA’s ultimate goal is the total disruption of drug trafficking and the protection of communities. Marwa also acknowledged the support of international partners, sister agencies, civil society, and the media, calling for stronger partnerships to safeguard Nigeria’s future.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
