NDLEA Makes 45,853 Arrests, 8.5mkg Drug Seizure, Secures 9,263 Convictions in 30 Months

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), says the agency has arrested 45,853 drug offenders, seized over 8.5 million kilograms of illicit drugs, and secured 9,263 convictions within the past 30 months of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Marwa made this known during a commendation and awards ceremony at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, where 220 officers were honoured for outstanding performance and 15 senior officers were decorated with new ranks on Wednesday, 29th October 2025.

He said the achievements reflect the impact of the renewed momentum in the agency’s operations under the Tinubu administration, which continues to strengthen the NDLEA’s twin focus on drug supply suppression and demand reduction.

According to him, the agency also counselled and rehabilitated 26,613 drug users in its treatment centres across the country and conducted 9,848 sensitisation campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative in schools, workplaces, markets, and communities.

“Today, we celebrate officers who have gone above and beyond—those who, despite facing immense danger and relentless temptation, have chosen integrity, selflessness, and adherence to our mandate,” Marwa said.

He explained that the NDLEA’s reward system, introduced four years ago, was designed to sustain morale and inspire excellence among officers by recognising virtues such as hard work, loyalty, and integrity.

“This system has proven its value over time. We have witnessed an improvement in the ethos and performance of our workforce,” he added.

Despite the progress recorded, Marwa cautioned that Nigeria’s drug problem remains a monumental challenge and called for sustained commitment from officers to dismantle trafficking networks and curb abuse.

“Drug abuse and trafficking remain existential threats to our nation’s social fabric, economic stability, and security. They fuel crime, corrupt our youth, and provide resources for terrorism and insurgency,” he warned.

The NDLEA boss also commended the agency’s local and international partners for their continued support, naming the UNODC, INL, UK Border Force, the French Government, and the Government of Germany among key allies.

He equally acknowledged the support of the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, the Judiciary, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose backing he said has been instrumental to the agency’s success.

“We are where we are today because of the unwavering support from these institutions and from Nigerians who have embraced our reforms. Together, we can make Nigeria a drug-free nation,” Marwa said.