By Odita Sunday
Nigeria’s war on drugs has hit a major milestone as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced that it has arrested 45,853 suspects, seized over 8.5 million kilograms of illicit substances, and secured 9,263 convictions in just 30 months.
The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), made this known on Wednesday during an awards and commendation ceremony held in Abuja, where 220 personnel were honoured for outstanding performance and 15 senior officers decorated with new ranks.
Marwa praised the dedication of NDLEA operatives who have continued to sustain the momentum of the anti-drug fight under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“We celebrate those who, despite facing immense danger and temptation, chose integrity and selflessness. Your work has produced remarkable results,” he said.
The NDLEA boss revealed that the agency has also counselled and rehabilitated 26,613 drug users and carried out 9,848 sensitisation campaigns across schools, markets, churches, mosques, and communities under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
Marwa said the NDLEA’s reward system, known as the CCEO Commands Awards and Commendations, was introduced to encourage officers to uphold key values like hard work, loyalty, and integrity.
“The fight is far from over. Drug trafficking and abuse remain a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability and security. But every arrest, every seizure, and every dismantled drug network is a victory for our country,” he added.
He also acknowledged the strong support the agency continues to receive from local and international partners including the UNODC, INL, UK Border Force, French Government, and Government of Germany, as well as Nigeria’s National Assembly and Judiciary.
Marwa expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his leadership and consistent backing of the agency’s operations.
“We are determined to keep pushing until Nigeria is free from the grip of drug cartels,” he vowed.