NDLEA Arrests 38,242 Suspects, Seizes Illicit Drugs Worth ₦2.5tn, Secures 6,232 Convictions in 21 Months – Marwa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 38,242 suspects, seized more than 5.8 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs valued at over ₦2.5 trillion, and secured 6,232 convictions between January 2025 and September 2026.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), disclosed this while presenting Nigeria’s statement at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Marwa, who was represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, stated that the figures reflected Nigeria’s evolving approach to drug control, which integrates law enforcement, public health, technology, financial investigation, alternative livelihoods, and international cooperation.
He pointed out that the Agency has evolved from a predominantly enforcement-focused organisation into an intelligence-led and people-centred institution in response to the changing nature of drug-related threats.
He explained that “trafficking networks have become more sophisticated, technology has opened new channels for illicit activity, criminal proceeds move rapidly across borders, and drug dependence continues to affect individuals, families, and communities.”
Marwa added that Nigeria had consequently broadened its focus beyond drugs and offenders to include the criminal networks, illicit profits, and vulnerabilities that sustain the drug economy.
The NDLEA boss also revealed that, within the same period, more than 16,303 persons received counselling, treatment or rehabilitation, while prevention and sensitisation activities reached millions of Nigerians.
He stressed that Nigeria’s drug control strategy increasingly prioritises dismantling major traffickers, organised criminal structures, and the financial networks behind the illicit trade, rather than measuring performance solely by arrests and seizures.
Marwa also highlighted the Agency’s Alternative Development initiative, currently being piloted in three communities in Ondo State, where residents are being supported to transition from illicit cannabis cultivation to legitimate agricultural production.
He noted that sustainable drug control required more than removing illicit crops, stressing the need to provide credible economic alternatives that strengthen food security, community resilience, and national security.
On institutional reforms, he cited the NDLEA’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System as examples of how digital tools could improve accessibility, efficiency, transparency, and integrity in public administration.
He said that the reforms were being consolidated under the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026-2030, which covers six pillars: drug supply reduction; drug demand reduction; access to controlled medicines; governance and coordination; alternative development; and disruption of the illicit drug economy.
Addressing the international community, Nigeria called for stronger and more timely intelligence-sharing to prevent criminal networks from exploiting gaps between jurisdictions.
The country also urged intensified action against the illicit financial economy through financial investigation, asset tracing and recovery, alongside stronger prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
Nigeria further called for expanded support for Alternative Development initiatives, capacity development for law enforcement officers, and sustained investment in technology, training, forensic capabilities, treatment infrastructure and technical assistance, particularly in developing countries.
It stressed that restoring trust required delivery, while managing transformation required partnership.
The country described its experience as a continuing journey rather than a finished model and affirmed its readiness to share lessons, learn from other countries, and work with United Nations Member States and international partners.
Nigeria expressed its commitment to moving “from commitment to implementation, from cooperation to collective action, and from transformation to measurable delivery.”
