ABUJA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded significant operational successes over the past five years, arresting 77,792 suspects, including 128 high-profile drug barons and seizing over 14.8 million kilograms of illicit substances.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, Chairman of the agency, disclosed these figures on Tuesday at the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation Ceremony in Abuja.
He said the agency also secured 14,225 convictions during the period, signalling that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for drug traffickers.
“When I first resumed in 2021, I promised to take the fight to the doorsteps of the merchants of death. Today, the numbers speak for themselves,” Marwa said. “Through our collective resilience, we have sent a clear message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for illicit drug enterprise.”
According to Marwa, the NDLEA’s operations disrupted both local and transnational drug supply chains, with seizures totaling 14,847,486.34 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs.
He also highlighted the agency’s efforts in drug demand reduction through structured treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation programmes, noting that 32,442 drug users received professional intervention.
“Additionally, 13,735 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were conducted across schools, motor parks, workplaces, worship centres, and communities. These initiatives have expanded preventive awareness and citizen engagement nationwide,” he added.
Marwa acknowledged that the agency’s successes would not have been possible without support from the executive, legislature, and judiciary. He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his trust and unflinching support.
“These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of discipline, leadership, intelligence-led operations, and clear performance expectations. The successes of the past five years are merely a foundation. In this second tenure, we will escalate the war against drug abuse and trafficking to new heights,” he stated.
