The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has urged world leaders to unite in dismantling criminal drug networks that threaten global peace and security.
Marwa made the call at the 80th United Nations General Assembly Plenary Session of the Third Committee held on Monday, October 13, 2025, in New York, United States.
He warned that the world can no longer afford to be held hostage by the illicit drug trade.
“We must stand together resolute and united to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future,” Marwa said.
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Marwa explained that Nigeria prioritizes international cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat drug trafficking.
He noted that Nigeria has signed memoranda of understanding with several countries and global agencies, including the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), European Union (EU), US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), UK National Crime Agency (NCA), and Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
These partnerships, he said, have led to major drug seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions. All operations, he added, are carried out with respect for human rights.
The NDLEA boss said Nigeria has also strengthened laws against money laundering linked to drug proceeds.
He added that the government is expanding care and support for people affected by drug use. This includes more rehabilitation centres, opioid substitution therapy, and safer needle exchange programmes.
“Cannabis remains the most abused drug in Nigeria,” Marwa noted. “We are addressing this through the Alternative Development Programme, which helps farmers switch from cannabis cultivation to legitimate crops. This also supports food security and protects the environment.”
Public Awareness and New Threats
Marwa highlighted the success of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which mobilises schools, religious groups, and communities across the country to fight drug abuse through awareness.
He said Nigeria is also confronting new challenges, including psychoactive substances and drug trafficking via the Dark Web.
According to him, the NDLEA is working to stop the diversion of precursor chemicals and dismantle illegal methamphetamine laboratories.
Marwa explained that the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) has improved coordination among agencies and produced measurable progress in enforcement and rehabilitation.
He added that the NDLEA now runs a 24-hour toll-free drug helpline, where trained counsellors offer support in major Nigerian languages. This service, he said, helps bridge the treatment gap and fights the stigma linked to drug use.
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Marwa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a balanced approach in drug control combining law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
He said the country would continue to pursue international cooperation to secure a safer and healthier world.
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.
