The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse, with 45,853 arrests, seizures of over 8.5 million kilograms of narcotics, and 9,263 convictions achieved within the last 90 days.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed these figures on Wednesday during a ceremony at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, where 220 personnel were honoured for exceptional performance and 15 senior officers were decorated with new ranks.
Marwa commended the operatives for their dedication, describing their efforts as instrumental in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda in the areas of drug demand and supply reduction.
“Today, we celebrate those who, despite immense danger and relentless temptation, have chosen integrity, selflessness, and an uncompromising commitment to our mandate,” Marwa said.
According to him, the agency’s intensified operations over the past 30 months have also resulted in the counselling and rehabilitation of 26,613 drug users and the execution of 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, workplaces, markets, worship centres, and communities nationwide.
While commending the officers for their resilience, Marwa warned that the war against drugs remains a “monumental challenge,” describing drug abuse and trafficking as “an existential threat to Nigeria’s social fabric, economic stability, and national security.”
“Every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, every clandestine laboratory dismantled, and every drug kingpin apprehended delivers a critical blow to criminal networks,” he said.
The NDLEA boss emphasized the importance of a strong reward system to sustain morale and operational efficiency, noting that the Chairman/Chief Executive’s Command Awards and Commendations have significantly boosted productivity and professionalism among staff.
He also expressed gratitude to local and international partners including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the UK Border Force, and the governments of France and Germany for their continued support.
Marwa further acknowledged the cooperation of Nigeria’s legislative and judicial arms, the Ministry of Justice, and the unwavering backing of President Tinubu, which he said have been vital to the agency’s recent successes.
“We are optimistic that this support will continue, enabling us to fulfil our mandate of making Nigeria a drug-free nation,” he concluded.