Rekiya Abdullahi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, achieving record-breaking results in the last 30 months with 45,853 arrests, 8.5 million kilograms of narcotics seized, and 9,263 convictions secured nationwide.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), disclosed these figures on Wednesday during a special commendation and awards ceremony at the NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, where 220 personnel were honoured for outstanding performance and 15 senior officers decorated with new ranks.
“Today, we celebrate those who have gone above and beyond those who, despite facing immense danger and temptation, chose integrity and selflessness in carrying out our mandate,” Marwa said.
He noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the NDLEA has sustained remarkable progress in both drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction, counselling and rehabilitating 26,613 drug users, while conducting 9,848 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns across schools, markets, workplaces, and communities.
Marwa, who has maintained the reward tradition for over four years, stressed that the fight against drugs remains a monumental challenge but assured that the agency is gaining ground through renewed commitment and capacity.
“Drug trafficking and abuse threaten our social fabric, economic stability, and national security. Every kilogram intercepted and every drug kingpin arrested represent a blow against criminal networks that fund terrorism and corruption,” he stated.
The NDLEA boss emphasized that the reward system which includes the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations has boosted morale, discipline, and integrity among officers, motivating them to perform at their best.
He also appreciated both local and international partners for their support, including the UNODC, INL, UK Border Force, French Government, and the Government of Germany, as well as Nigeria’s National Assembly, Judiciary, and Attorney General’s Office for their legislative and institutional backing.
Marwa expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his “unwavering support” in the drug war, adding that the Agency remains committed to the vision of a drug-free Nigeria.
“Our journey is far from over, but with the continued support of Nigerians, we will dismantle the networks of drug cartels and secure a healthier, safer future for our nation,” he said.
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