ABUJA, Nigeria (Chatnewstv.com) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported staggering success in its anti-drug efforts under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, revealing that its operatives have arrested 45,853 individuals and seized over 8.5 million kilograms of illicit drugs in the last 30 months.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (ret.) disclosed the figures Wednesday while presenting commendation letters and awards to 220 officers for outstanding performance in Abuja. Fifteen senior officers were also decorated with their new ranks.
Marwa announced that the agency secured the conviction of 9,263 drug offenders during the same period and highlighted the NDLEA’s dual approach of drug demand and supply reduction.
“Your commitment to the renewed hope agenda of the administration of President Tinubu has yielded tremendous results in the past 30 months,” Marwa told the decorated officers. He listed the achievements, which included 26,613 drug users counseled and rehabilitated, and 9,848 anti-drug sensitization activities conducted across the country.
Marwa commended the personnel for “raising the momentum” of the drug war. He praised the award recipients, stating, “Today, we specifically recognize those who have gone above and beyond. We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, chose the path of integrity, selflessness, and uncompromising adherence to our mandate.”
While celebrating the victories, Marwa acknowledged the scale of the ongoing challenge.
“Without mincing words, the challenge we face is monumental,” Marwa said, stressing that drug abuse and trafficking pose an “existential threat” to the nation’s social fabric and security, fueling crime, corrupting youth, and providing resources for terrorism and insurgency.
However, he asserted that the operatives’ dedication is making a significant difference. “But for every kilogram of cocaine intercepted, for every clandestine laboratory dismantled, for every major drug kingpin apprehended, a critical blow is delivered to these criminal networks. These victories, are no doubt the direct result of your dedication.”
Marwa affirmed that the established reward system, which includes the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations, is crucial for maintaining officer morale and performance. He noted the agency is committed to dismantling drug cartel structures “using the full force of the law.”
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “unwavering support,” as well as to local and international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UK Border Force, and legislative committees.
Representatives of state and federal government officials, including the former Security Adviser to the Kogi State Governor, Commodore Jerry Omodara (ret.), and House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Insurance, Hon. Ahmed Jaha, commended Marwa’s leadership for its positive impact on the NDLEA’s workforce and effectiveness.
Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy for NDLEA, issued the statement from the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
